AN unusual festival is set to take over a Ribble Valley church later this month -- and it has nothing to do with flowers!

St Wilfrid's Church, Ribchester, stages its second 'Festival of Talents' at the end of January -- and is urging as many people as possible to come along and watch.

The first festival was held last year, and attracted around 50 people displaying various kinds of talent.

Everything from playing the trumpet and violin through to play chess and making wine, candles and lace was exhibited in a celebration of people's natural gifts.

There were even hen keeping and dog trimming displays.

Organisers today said they had a wealth of new talent on display already for this year, including model trains, harp and saxophone-playing, woodwork and sewing.

Ann Jepson, one of the organisers, said: "The festival is a way of saying thanks to God for talents.

"It is amazing the skills that are still out there. People don't spend all their time watching television!"

Ann can be contacted on 01254 878177 for more information.

The festival runs on Saturday, January 31, from 10.30am to 4pm, and on Sunday, February 1, from 11am to 3pm, followed by Evensong.