A CHURCH flower festival has its very own Angel of the North, as part of a theme to raise money towards maintenance at the 19th century building.

The festival, called Angels Ancient and Modern, takes place this weekend at the church of St Michael and All Angels at Barningham, near Richmond. It will be officially opened by Mrs Kathy Botham, who will cut a ribbon at the church gates at 7pm tonight before attending a sell-out reception at Barningham Park, the home of Sir Anthony and Lady Milbank.

The Angel of the North has a 20ft wingspan and is one of over 30 arrangements designed and constructed by members of Hurworth and Ripon flower clubs, all with an angel theme. Others include a Michaelmas goose fair and St Michael (the boss angel) and the Dragon.

The festival opens to visitors at 10am tomorrow, with admission by £2 programme, and runs each day until 4pm on Monday. The second day of the festival coincides with the opening of the gardens at Barningham Park, which will take place from 2-5pm on Sunday. Volunteers from Barningham and Newsham will provide a range of refreshments in the village hall during the weekend.

The Rev Christopher Cowper said the festival was a first for Barningham and one of the highlights of the village calendar this year