SOME of the region's most talented flower arrangers will be using their creativity and knowledge to bring the Great British Flower Festival to Herefordshire.

The 42 arrangements, all with a country summer theme, will be on show at Dore Abbey in the south of the county between August 5-7 with money raised going to St Michael's Hospice in Bartestree.

Arrangers taking part include Lizzie Powell from Early Hours London Ltd, staff from Herefordshire's The Great British Florist, 1st Stretton Sugwas Brownies and 30 members of NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies).

"I'm looking forward to seeing the Abbey transformed into a gallery which celebrates the beauty of English Summer gardens," said project designer Margaret Thomas whose exhibit at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival has won best in show for the past two years.

"We have some very talented people taking part, including Pat Crane, a member of the NAFAS team who recently won a gold medal at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

"It means a lot to do something for St Michael's.

"Everybody knows someone who has been cared for at the Hospice, so I think we all want to put on a Great British Flower Festival and raise lots of money to help provide care and support for our local community."

The festival will include displays inspired by weddings, Christenings and even BBQs.

"We would like to thank everyone who is helping us to put on a flower festival with a purpose," said Paddy Nugent, the hospice's community fundraising manager.

"We will be celebrating the best of British flowers and I'm sure it will delight and inspire all who visit. Also, all the money raised will help St Michael's care for patients and their families at a time when they need it most."

There is also a chance for flower lovers and Hospice supporters to get behind the festival by giving a £100 donation to sponsor one of the flower arrangements.

As well as being able to dedicate one of the arrangements to a loved one, sponsors will have an opportunity to meet TV's Kate Bliss, who will be officially opening the festival, on Thursday, August 3.

To find out more, call Mr Nugent on 01432 851000.