THE village of Bampton was in bloom on Monday for the annual Morris Day festivities.

While morris men from across the country danced in the streets and pubs, flower arrangers held a festival in St Mary’s Church.

The festival, organised by St Mary’s Guild, was on a Chelsea Flower Show theme.

Chelsea Pensioner bears featured in the flower festival in tribute to the famous London show.

Anne Phillips, 79, of Buckland Road, created a sunrise display using gerbera flowers.

Mrs Phillips, who has been taking part in the festival for 12 years, said: “It was lovely.

“It was nice doing the displays and lots of people came in to see them.”

Co-ordinator Rhyddian Edwards said: “Apart from there being a bit of dampness, it was a successful event.

“The 24 ladies in the guild worked extremely hard to come up with some very clever ideas.”

He said school children also took part, producing a display themed around children’s TV show Blue Peter.

Mr Edwards added: “Next year will be even better, and we’ve already selected the theme of the Olympics.”