A CHURCH known locally as "The Cathedral of the Valley" looked "blooming lovely" during a flower festival held to mark the new millennium.

The festival at St John the Evangelist Church, Crawshawbooth, entitled Flowers for all Seasons, was opened by the Mayoress of Rossendale Mrs Denise Hancock in the presence of the Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Christopher Mayfield.

The two-day event also featured a musical evening by the Rossendale Encore Band and the choir from Crawshawbooth Primary School.

The festival was rounded off with a Songs of Praise service.

Money raised by the festival will go to the church restoration fund.