THE annual Eckington Flower Festival and Open Garden event has been hailed a blooming success.

The three-day gala, held at the weekend, is in its 11th year, and with the help of some glorious weather, attracted large numbers of people.

The event incorporates the whole village and included the flower festival at Holy Trinity Church.

This year's theme was village life and the arrangements depicted the WI, blacksmiths, fishermen and the corner shop.

More than 30 homes also opened up their gardens for viewing and the village's legendary scarecrows, also dressed up in the theme, were again on display.

Among the other highlights of the Bank Holiday weekend were the vintage car, motorbike and engines displays.

"The weather helped us a lot and not only did the whole village get involved, but also people came from as far afield as Oxford," said one of the event's organisers, Veronica Colling.

"The festival is making quite a name for itself and it was a lovely three days."

It is not known how much money was raised, but this will be put towards a new roof above the north aisle of the church.