VISITORS from all the south of England have been flocking to see an impressive flower festival which has taken over the Salvation Army Hall in Station Road, Devizes.

The hall has been transformed by ten floral displays depicting passages from the Bible.

Philip Nield, joint commanding officer of the Devizes Corps of the Salvation Army, said: The festival we held last year was very successful so we decided to go bigger and better this year. We have had a good response so far.

"People in the community have visited and we have had coach parties from Poole, Bournemouth and Basingstoke.

The festival helps us raise finances to support and maintain our work and it also brings people who perhaps don't go to church, into a Christian atmosphere.

Volunteers started planning the displays after the first flower festival was held at the hall 12 months ago. The displays have been created by members of the Salvation Army, the Mothers' Union, church groups and other clubs.

Festival volunteers have been selling cakes, crafts, plants and gifts. The community hall has also been decorated with animals to depict Noah's Ark. The festival runs until Friday, July 7.