BEAUTIFUL blooms filled a church in Kidlington to the rafters this weekend as community groups united for the return of the village flower festival.

Some 40 different displays from local schools, churches and the local historical and gardening societies brought a sweet scent to St Mary's Church, which also hosted a dynamic programme of music performances throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Vicar Felicity Scroggie said she was delighted with the wide variety of floral displays.

She went on: "It has been absolutely super. I loved the schools' displays; there were a couple of lovely ones, and the gardening society also brought in vegetables.

"The whole event is in aid of Christian Aid for humanitarian relief across the world.

"It's not competitive, simply a celebration of creation, life and beauty in the world - and also the artistic talent that there is around."

The event coincided with the annual Kidlington Gala Day on Saturday, with hundreds flocking to Exeter Close for food, stalls, a fire engine visit, balloon modelling and more.