STUDLEY Parish Church is forging ahead with plans for a massive weekend festival of music, history and flowers.

On Saturday, the church's Millennium Flower festival kicks off and organisers are hoping to make it a lot more than that.

The Rev Richard Deimel said: "The deep windowsills and mysterious corners of the Norman building will be covered in flower arrangements from most of the Studley village organisations.

"Viewing will be free but visitors are invited to make donations to the Millennium Children's Room appeal for £60,000. We have already reached £49,500."

On Saturday afternoon, there will be a guided tour telling the story of the church's 900-year history led by Studley historian Arthur Daniels, followed by another tour on Sunday afternoon led by Mr Deimel.

The bell tower will also be open for those with a head for heights and a taste for stunning views.

Then at 7.30pm on Saturday, singers David Steele and Sue Perrins will be holding court with a concert of show classics.

To round off the weekend, there will be Holy Communion for the Festival of St Mary, where The Rev Steve Tash, vicar of Salford Priors, will preach.

Mr Deimel said: "Steve was a very popular curate at Studley from 1992 to 1995 and this will be his first return visit to the church.

"At 6.30pm there will be a festival songs of praise followed by refreshments.

"The preacher will be the new Studley curate, Simon Bettidge."

For more details and tickets for the concert, call Mr Deimel on 852830.