A FANTASTIC festival of flowers has been drawing the crowds to an historic stately home.

Coughton Court, near Alcester, has been the setting for the stately home's first foray into flower festivals, entitled The Coughton Court Festival of Garden Flowers and Foliages, which came to an end last Sunday (July 14).

It featured creations from world class flower arrangers, including medallists from the last two Chelsea Flower Shows and more than 70 budding arrangers from the South Midlands branch of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS).

Blooms from the Tudor home's own gardens featured in the flowering works of art, which took root in key positions through the house and in the Roman Catholic church in the grounds.

The arrangers were also able to pick from more than 30 varieties of flowers, exotic plants and grasses from the Coughton Estate.

The inside of the home was suitably adorned, with displays enhancing The Blue Drawing Room, the dining room and the saloon.

One of the star attractions, however, was the seed collage of the Throckmorton coat of arms, which has now become a permanent display at the Warwickshire tourist attraction, which has been home to the Throckmorton family since the 16th Century.

Nicky Gillard, sales and marketing co-ordinator at Coughton Court, said: "The response has been absolutely fantastic. The seed collage of the Throckmorton Coat of Arms is amazing. It looks like fabric and it's only when you get really close that you can see it's all tiny little seeds. The detail in it is unbelievable."

l Coughton Court will also provide the backdrop for a performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night on Saturday (July 20).

The courtyard will become a stage for the British Shakespeare Company's presentation of one of the Bard's most popular comedies.

Gates will open two hours before the 7.30pm performance to allow visitors time to get comfortable and enjoy a picnic on the lawn.

Tickets are £10 in advance and £12 on the door, with half-price entry for children, call Coughton Court on 01789 400777 to book.