SOME 200 flower arrangers descended on Hereford as they started their preparations for a major festival of flowers at the cathedral in early September.

In that show of Autumn glory more than 120 stunning arrangements and designs will fill the cathedral with a feast of colour and scent for the senses, among the ancient building's soaring nave and transepts and the peace and simplicity of the medieval crypt.

The arrangers are all members of the Three Counties and South Wales area of NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arranging Societies).

"The festival will be a stunning display of flowers," said the Dean of Hereford, the Very Rev Michael Tavinor. "It will be an experience not to be missed and we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from all over the country; I know that we already have more than 33 coaches booked in and we will be expecting lots more."

The festival, which is being sponsored by ASDA and a number of other locally-based companies including Bulmers, Baker Tilly, Capps and Capps Ltd, Melcon, Tanners Wines, Tarmac and the Hereford Times, will include a number of other associated events including a series of garden lectures by international designers, plant sales, food and craft fairs and the opportunity to enjoy the garden of the Bishop's Palace.

"We will also be delighted to welcome a number of young musicians to the cathedral and palace gardens," said the Dean.

"Many of them will have close associations with our Cathedral School and this will be an opportunity for them to let us share in their ability."

The organising committee has been led by well known Herefordshire-based arrangers Margaret Thomas (chairman) and Sandra Snell of the Flower House, Ross-on-Wye (senior designer).