THE nation may have spent the long holiday weekend celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee, but some communities have decided to wait a little longer to pay tribute to her 50-year reign.

The ancient church of St Agatha, at Easby, will be hosting a Festival of Flowers and Music to honour the Queen.

It opens at 6.30pm on Friday, June 14, and runs for two days.

In addition, local gardens will be open to the public, forming a "golden trail" around the area.

Music on the opening night will be provided by Muker Silver Band, from 7pm.

On the Saturday, musicians will be travelling from as far as Bristol and Doncaster to play instruments including the dulcimer, flute and melodian.

On Saturday evening, members of Richmond Operatic Society will perform from 7.30pm, and on the Sunday, a celebratory jubilee service will be the highlight of the festival.

There will be hymns and readings chosen by churchgoers from Easby, Brompton-on-Swale and Skeeby.

The service will include performances by Brompton Ladies Choir and brass instrumentalists.

Strawberry teas and light refreshments will be on sale during Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

There will be a bar during the evening concerts on Friday and Saturday.

Programmes giving details of the flower displays and admission to the Easby gardens will be on sale, priced £2.

Tickets for the two evening concerts are £5, which includes light refreshments.

They can be obtained by telephoning (01748) 818258 or (01748) 811154.