CHURCH-GOERS are hoping flower power will help restore their ancient church.

St John's CE Church, Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, County Durham, is gearing up for its annual flower festival.

This year, organisers want people to show their full support for the event and help to meet some of the costs of repairing the building, which dates back about 900-years to Norman times.

Festival organiser Sandy Weaver said: "We are making a special appeal for people to come along and support us.

"St John's is a familiar landmark and a very old church, and its repairs are costly."

Some of the most creative talents from churches as far afield as Durham and Chilton are working on floral displays, including the Lindisfarne Gospels, Durham Cathedral and other arrangements.

The festival runs from September 8 to September 11