A HEREFORDSHIRE village's past was revealed over the Bank Holiday weekend in a feast of art, flowers, food and music described by one visitor as "top banana".

Hundreds came from far and wide to get a first glimpse of Pembridge's much anticipated tapestries, a portrayal of the village's 1,000-year history. There was even an appearance by the Queen.

Glowing reports came from people from as far afield as New Zealand, Niagara Falls, Moldova, Denmark and France, and many visitors were keen to hear that the 12 tapestry panels, crafted by a group of local women over the past three years, would remain on display in church. The tapestries have excited much talk, even being mentioned on BBC Radio 3.

Dean of Hereford, the Very Rev Michael Tavinor, who took The Sunday morning service at St Mary's church with vicar of Pembridge, the Rev Brenda Jacobs, commented that it was a "privilege" to be involved in the four-day event. Others described the event as "truly inspiring" and members of a French Rotarian group praised the tapestry craftswomen for a "wonderful way to tell the story of Pembridge".

This included the village's connections with King Harold, Katherine of Aragon, the old market fairs, the Civil War and legendary tales of hauntings. In the visitors' book, eight-year-old Henry Kay from Leicester commented: "The ghastly ghost story was utterly interesting and every other thing was top banana."

Dotted around the churchyard was a compelling assortment of scarecrows, including a notable tableau of Noah's ark by Pembridge primary school. Outside the busy tea tent was a welcoming representation of the Queen, dressed in spangly purple with a wine glass in her gloved hand.