SOME of the nation's best loved musicals will appear not on stage but in church this weekend in the form of floral displays.

St John's Church, in Shildon, is hosting a flower festival inspired by West End shows such as The Sound of Music, Miss Saigon, The Phantom of the Opera and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Talented flower arrangers have created colourful exhibits- from the intricately designed to the impressively vast- based on their favourite 30 shows.

Vicar Rev David Tomlinson said: "Shildon is a town with a strong sense of community and we wanted to celebrate that by drawing in people from across the North-East.

"We asked Houghall College and various groups such as the Women's Institute, church groups, flower clubs and individuals to create displays for the festival.

"One of the key organisers Adele Todd called all these people together and it really does look incredible.

"The only problem will be how to fit people in for Sunday service but it is a nice problem to have."

The event was opened by Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman last night.

It will be open on Friday, Saturday and Monday from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 12noon to 4pm.

Admission is £3 and refreshments will be available.