LOVERS of a landmark Stourbridge building are using flower power to help pay for restoration work on its historic ceiling.

St Thomas’s Church is the only Grade I listed structure in the town and people are being urged to help upgrade work by visiting fundraising events including a floral festival.

Stourbridge MP Margot James will be opening the Flower Festival, at the Market Street church, 10am on Friday July 1.

Ms James said: “I am really looking forward to opening the Flower Festival, the church does such great work for our local area, and is the base of many of our community groups, so I am delighted to help support their festival.

“I do hope lots of people will come down to the church over the weekend for some of the wonderful events they have planned.”

The festival runs until Sunday July 3 and is the main fundraising activity for the latest round of work, which includes redecoration of the chancel ceiling including the historically significant Holy Ghost plaque, pillars and the remainder of the interior.

Funding is also required for new sound and lighting systems and refurbishment of the church hall.

On Friday June 30 the church will host a talk from Graham Fisher MBE on the development of the glass industry in Stourbridge which will include a preview of the Flower Festival.

Other attractions to the festival include concert by Greenfield School Choir at 2pm on Friday, an organ recital by Peter Morris and performances by Bevere Brass of Worcestershire on Saturday at 1pm.

The church will be hosting craft stalls on Saturday at 2pm and there will be a peal of bells on Sunday at 1.30pm to compliment Stourbridge Carnival.

Entry to the Flower Festival, which will be open from 10am to 4pm and 11.30am to 4pm on Sunday, costs £1 for more information call 01384 394185.