ST Peter's Church in Dowland will celebrate a special birthday with a three-day flower festival at the end of June.

This year the church marks 880 years since its construction. It retains many distinctive features, including wooden oak arched pillars, medieval wagon ceiling and a complete set of 16th century carved bench ends.

The arrangements will be based on the heritage of the church and the community which it has helped to shape over the centuries. On Saturday June 30 the church will also hold a community bell ring, where the bell will be rung 880 times, once for each year since it was built.

Morning coffee and afternoon tea will be available throughout the three days, as well as plant and cake stalls. Admission is free, with all donations to the church.

The church is open for the festival from 11am to 7pm on Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30. On Sunday, July 1 the church will be open from 11am to 6pm, with a songs of praise service at 6.30pm.