FROM Saturday, June 4, at Crediton Parish Church, visitors will be able to see a car in the church!

The car - a 1926 Austin Seven Gordon England (Cup) model, loaned by John Musty, is part of this year’s annual Flower Festival which is entitled "Outside the Box".

Visitors will be able to see a selection of boxes large and small, some important and others just for fun at this year’s festival, which runs until Thursday, June 9.

The title of the exhibition with flowers has presented the flower artists with a challenge this year.

They have needed to think "outside the box" to interpret the ideas in new and original ways.

The festival will open from 10am until 6pm each day.

On Saturday, June 4 will also feature an evening concert, beginning at 7pm, by the group "Bella a Capella", described as "Four Ladies who Sing" (tickets £7).

There will be a Songs of Praise Service on Sunday, June 5 at 6pm, with hymns chosen by local people and the usual resounding Finale from Crediton Town Band at 7pm on Wednesday, June 8 (admission free).

There will be guided Heritage tours to the 17th Century Governors’ Room for those who would like a trip back in time, as well as tours to visit the Bell Tower. These will take place at 2pm and 3pm every day except Sunday, meeting in the church.

An added attraction this year, thanks to the support of several Crediton traders, is a children’s competition entitled: "Find the Missing Bear". The trail starts at A E Lee Outfitters, 17 High Street where entry forms can be obtained. Other attractions will include a church stall, a book stall and a tombola.

Excellent good value refreshments will be available from the Café in the Boniface Centre, featuring home baking and local produce. The Café will be open from 10am until 5pm.

The Newton St Cyres Art Group will also be staging an exhibition of works in the Boniface Centre for the duration of the festival.

The Flower Festival is one of the major fundraising events that contributes to the maintenance and repair of Crediton Parish Church.

Admission will be free-of-charge, although donations will be most welcome, and parking will be available for visitors in the Church car park. Level access to the church and Boniface Centre also makes a visit possible for the disabled.

Alan Quick