FINAL arrangements are being put in place for a three-day flower festival, which is being described as one of the highlights of the year in a village.

Expert arrangers from around the North-East are creating 25 displays on the theme of Glories of the Countryside for the event which starts on Saturday, August 25, in St Mary's Church in Staindrop, near Barnard Castle.

Only a few tickets are left for a preview reception at Raby Castle on Friday, August 24. They are priced at £15 and can be booked by calling 01833-660632.

The church is open for the festival from 11am to 7pm on the Saturday and Monday, and 11am to 6pm on the Sunday, when there will be an Evensong service at 6.30pm.

The preacher will be the Venerable B Barker, Archdeacon of Auckland.

Each day, teas will be served in a tent in the churchyard, where there will also be stalls.