THE ancient Mediaeval ritual of well dressing returns to Tockholes this week to celebrate the village's first ever flower festival of life.

The art was revived in the picturesque village during the late 1980s following an archaeological dig at Hollins Head Hall - and has carried on ever since.

Rev Ian Dewar, vicar of St Stephen's Church, explained: "Water plays a fundamental role in Christianity as it is an essential part of life. Well dressing is a celebration of the need for this basic element."

The well, in the walls of the old vicarage on Rock Lane, is dressed by marking out a design on wet clay and pressing different coloured flowers in the clay to create a vivid picture.

Lyn Robinson, who designed the display, said: "Well dressing has become a bi-annual event in the village and draws together many people to help put it together. It is eagerly looked forward to."

And local historian, Mrs Judith Jacklin added: "It's a great opportunity to work on something that reflects the tradition and life of our ancient village."

This year's well dressing follows a Mediaeval theme which coincides with the church's flower festival Roots - a celebration of the life of Tockholes through the eyes of St Stephen's Church.

The well will be dressed for the duration of the festival which runs from today (Thursday) until Sunday.

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