FLORAL delights will take pride of place in two churches this weekend, as intricate displays and blooming exhibits go on show.

Hundreds of flowers have been transformed into a host of saintly scenes at St Michael's Church in Malton to create a flowering oasis.

Jan Roberts, from Malton, Norton and District Flower Club, said: "The theme of it all is saints, but we have chosen those that are a little bit special."

St Veronica, the patron saint of washerwomen, will be immortalised in blooms, alongside St Julian the Hospitaller - the patron saint of circuses - and brothers St Crispin and St Crispinian, patrons of cobblers, shoe-makers and leather-makers.

At St Mary's Church in Haxby, York, members of the congregation will be demonstrating their Blooming Talents to raise cash to restore the church hall.

Flower arranger Elizabeth Moran said: "We are just parishioners and flower ladies - and men - who have been working on the flowers. The church hall is open too with a display of arts and crafts done by parishioners."

The flower festival in Malton runs from 10am to 5pm today and 11am to 4pm tomorrow.

A special service will be held tomorrow evening at 6.30pm.

The church and hall will be open in Haxby today from 10am to 6pm with a concert featuring gospel choir, dance and mime tonight from 8pm.

Services at St Mary's will take place at 10.15am and 6.30pm tomorrow and the flowers, arts and crafts will be on display from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.

Updated: 10:46 Saturday, June 07, 2003