WISBECH was turned into a floral work of art for the town’s annual Rose Fair celebrations.

Hundreds of people turned out in the glorious summer sunshine on Saturday to see a range of parades and demonstrations through the streets, as well as an array of colourful flower displays.

St Peter and St Paul’s Church once again became the centrepiece for the floral showcase which has been the envy of nearby towns since 1963.

Rose Fair chairman Janet Stevens said the event was now more important than ever.

She said: “It brings a lot of community spirit into the town and gets everyone working together. It is one of the major tourism attractions of the Fens.

“It is a great chance for the town to show off. I don’t know any other flower festival that brings in such a big crowd.”

The Rose Fair’s reason for being is to raise money for St Peter and Paul Church. It has blossomed from the first event 47 years ago when rose buds were sold in the church garden to raise money for its restoration.

Ms Stevens said the Rose Fair was now essential to keeping the building in tip-top condition.

She added: “It keeps our church in very good nick. All the money raised goes towards keeping the building standing.”