A flower festival to raise money for leukaemia research and Silsden Methodist Church's building fund was hailed a great success.

The festival, held at the church over the weekend, included floral displays by Keighley College students, church members and friends.

While the students on the Floral Art and Design Course took the Pentecost as their theme, members of the church concentrated on Old Silsden, reflecting the town's industries, past and present.

The overall theme of the festival was "Reflections". A special display was also created in memory of Arnold Lee, a member of the church who died recently. The display featured a canal scene in memory of his work with the canal boats. The event was well attended with visitors coming from as far away as Australia and London.

Special guests included the Calendar Girls, who opened the exhibition, Keighley MP Ann Cryer, the mayors of Keighley, Bradford and Silsden, BBC Radio Leeds presenter Tim Crowther and representatives from Keighley College and Bradford Council.

Member of the organising committee Anne Powell said: "We had an absolutely wonderful weekend. The quality of the flowers was just outstanding. It certainly lived up to all expectations!

"This is the first festival the church has held for some years, and the first one to involve Keighley College. Everybody has worked so hard, and I just want to thank everyone."

She added her thanks to the local traders who had supported the event with donations and sponsorship.

The total amount raised is not yet known, but will be split between the Calendar Girls' nominated charity and the church's fundraising.