PARISHIONERS of Stretton Sugwas are stepping up the fight to save their unique parish church.

As restoration work continues on the church's famous black-and-white tower, the community is busy organising this year's flower festival with the hope that it will be better than ever.

While outside the building remains covered in scaffolding as experts work to strengthen and preserve the structure, the inside will be filled with colourful floral arrangements.

The festival starts with a special service on the evening of Thursday, June 8, and runs for the next three days.

Throughout each day, there will be music in church to entertain visitors, as well as a wide range of stalls in marquees around the churchyard.

The evenings will also be busy, with a barbecue on the Friday and a performance of 'Songs from the Shows' by the Hereford Amateur Operatic Society on the Saturday.

Historic tower

Work on the historic Norman tower, meanwhile, has reached the halfway stage with local builder C J Bayliss teaming up with operatives from Terminex to restore the rotting beams.

As well as flowers and music, visitors to the festival can also enjoy exhibits illustrating the restoration process at Stretton Sugwas.