PRIVETT Church was turned into a ‘blooming marvel’ when an East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) grant helped fund a new flower festival.

The inaugural flower festival at the venue attracted hundreds of visitors who came to enjoy the displays and raise money for urgent church repairs.

The event was paid for in part by a £1,000 councillor grant from Nick Drew, EHDC’s member for the area.

The exhibition, held in the village church in May, was arranged by Teresa Brown and a team of 40 volunteers.

Mrs Brown said: “This is the first festival we have ever had here and it was a truly wonderful event. The church looked absolutely lovely and people came from miles around to enjoy it.

“The grant we received from East Hampshire District Council helped pay for around half the flowers on display and really helped to make the event special and memorable.”

Mr Drew said: “The festival was genuinely spectacular and you could see the hard work that had gone into creating it.

“I’m delighted to have been able to help by offering part of my councillor grant to help get this fantastic new event off the ground.”

Each EHDC councillor has a budget of £4,500 to support worthy projects. Groups with community-based projects can apply for grants of up to £1,000.

To find out if you or your community group are eligible for a grant, visit easthants.gov.uk/councillorgrants.