A VILLAGE made a blooming marvellous recovery from the devastating affects of foot-and- mouth disease at the weekend.

Tow Law hosted a flower festival as a celebration of the community's determination to bounce back from the epidemic.

The three-day event, held at St Philip and St James' Church, featured 14 colourful displays based on the theme of The Great North East.

Among the displays was an exhibit based on the Advertiser's sister paper, The Northern Echo, which has been serving the region since its foundation in 1870.

Other exhibits included Captain Cook, the Angel of the North, Stephenson's Rocket, Catherine Cookson, North East golden athletes and the mining industries.

The event also marked the launch of a leaflet, by Tow Law Community Partnership, about the heritage, paths and places to visit around the village.

It is hoped the publication will promote the beauty and diversity of Tow Law and attract more visitors to the area.