A FLOWER festival held to celebrate 150 years of worship at a Devizes Church turned into a blooming success for Julia's House.

St Peter's Church in Bath Road opened in 1866 but now supporters are backing a very modern town project in the shape of the Julia's House children's hospice which is to open nearby at the old Kennet District Council offices at Browfort.

Work has already started on converting old buildings into a modern centre for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

A cheque for £1,000 raised by the flower festival, which was opened by Devizes Mayor Jane Burton on June 29, was presented to the charity last week.

Fundraiser Liz Froud of Julia’s House said: “We are really grateful that the flower festival was in support of Julia’s House – and that such a magnificent sum was raised.

"This money will make a real difference to the growing number of families we are supporting across Wiltshire, families who lives are being transformed by having access to frequent, regular respite.”

The church festival was organised by Devizes Floral Art Club, St Peter's Church flower arrangers and the women's guild who created spectacular displays depicting the church's history and links with the Kennet and Avon Canal, Royal Wiltshire Militia Barracks, The Wiltshire Brick and Tile Company, Central Wilts Bacon Factory, The County Prison and schools within the parish.