Some of Herefordshire’s most talented flower arrangers helped make the first ever Great British Flower Festival a blooming success.

More than 1,200 people descended on picturesque Dore Abbey in Abbeydore where more than 40 arrangements, all with a country summer theme, were on display.

At least £25,000 has been raised for St Michael’s Hospice in Bartestree following the inaugural three-day festival, which finished on Sunday, August 7th.

Staff from Herefordshire’s The Great British Florist and around 30 members of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies were among those taking part.

“It’s been a wonderful three days celebrating the work of some great flower arrangers,” said Paddy Nugent, the Hospice’s Community Events Manager. “We’re grateful to everyone who attended, raising much-needed funds for St Michael’s. We hope they enjoyed their time at this lovely venue.”

The festival was opened by Herefordshire-based TV presenter, Kate Bliss.

Visitors were able to enjoy a range of displays inspired by weddings, Christenings and even barbecues.

Many flower lovers and Hospice supporters got behind the Festival by each giving a £100 donation to sponsor one of the flower arrangements.