A BLOSSOMING Atherton church is celebrating its 90th birthday with a festival of flowers.

Organisers of the big three day event are appealing for any photographs or memorabilia relating to Atherton St Philip's Church and school, Atherton, over the decades to include in a display in school.

The theme for the festival, which runs from May 1-3, is celebration, but the committee are keeping ideas for their displays under wraps.

"We want them to be a big surprise when people walk into the church," said spokesman Carlton Catterall.

As well as the look back in time feature there will be a memorial area where visitors can remember their loved ones, a selection of organists will be playing throughout the three days, there will be a music concert on Saturday at 7.30pm and a Songs of Praise in the Crosby Street church on Sunday at 6.30pm.

A committee of volunteers will start building work for the festival, which will be open from 10.30am on the three days, after church services on Sunday.

Anyone who has any old photographs they can loan should contact Mr Catterall on 01942 873915.