WORSHIPPERS at an Astley Bridge church are hoping blooms will help them lift the gloom caused by vandals.

Funds raised at Lee Clough Mission's flower festival on July 21 and 22 will go towards meeting the cost of some of the £5,000 worth of damage inflicted on the Old Road building in recent months.

This year's flower festival is the 16th time the popular event has been held and the theme is occupations.

Bolton mayor Cllr Kevan Helsby will attend the festival, which also features a toy stall in aid of Bolton Hospice, the mayor's charity this year.

The church will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and noon until 4pm on Sunday.