A FLOWER festival is being planned to help an appeal for a new church organ.

The organ in St Cuthbert's Church was installed in 1879 and officials have launched a fundraising drive to meet the £350,000 cost of a new one.

Church treasurer Brian Johnson said the festival, from September 23 to 26, would include displays by the Darlington Embroiderers' Guild and Darlington Art Society.

On the Saturday evening a concert will be given by Darlington Operatic Society and Cockerton Brass Band.

The festival will also mark two years of work by the congregation to raise money for the organ appeal, which stands at £11,286.

"We are facing a mammoth task to raise the required funds but I am optimistic about achieving a successful outcome," said Mr Johnson.

Two applications have been made to grant organisations, and the outcome should be known later this month.

"We are taking steps to identify a major public figure to lead the main campaign," Mr Johnson said in this month's church magazine.