ATHERTON'S biggest fund-raising event of the year is underway.

Thousands of blooms are on display at the Parish Church in the three day Atherton Flower Festival which was opened this morning (Friday) by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wigan.

Organisers are hoping to raise enough cash to refurbish two community rooms in the Parish Church. When completed the rooms will be available for the whole parish of Atherton, not just the church.

The flowers, many which came from from Holland, arrived throughout the day on Monday. Some members of the 50-strong flower festival team spent the whole day unpacking and sorting them. The team also spent the weekend collecting armfuls of greenery for the many themed displays.

The idea of refurbishing the community rooms for the town has been welcomed by many locals. People have rallied round to support the flower festival team in a variety of ways which has been a great encouragement to them.

Organiser, Betty Alty, Atherton, said: "We have had a lot of people come forward to help. We now have a new kitchen and floor in the church. They were both fitted through the help of our sponsors. People haven't always given money, but they've given us goods or their time."

The flower festival will close on Sunday with 'songs of praise' at 6.30pm. St Philip's singing group will be performing.

Visitors are invited to stroll through the building. Admission is £2 on the door. Programmes will be available to guide visitors through the many kinds of flowers on display and there be old-fashioned tea rooms open for refreshments, and a visitors' book to sign.