A CHANCE discovery of some antique lace has inspired a flower festival at a Steeton church.

Members of St Stephen's Methodist Church discovered the large bag of linen and lace hidden away.

They believe the decorative cloth originally draped the altar and could date back to when the church was built 125 years ago.

Now, the material has inspired a flower festival which will run at the church from Friday June 29 to Sunday July 1.

It will also include a concert and garden party.

Church member Janet Smithies, who is also a member of Steeton Flower Club which is organising the event, said it was believed the lace had been stored by the church's former vicar.

"The church is 125-years-old this year and we believe some of it dates back to that time," she said.

"Some of it would have been used to decorate the altar. It's very interesting because today, a lot of the altar dressings are very minimal and this is very decorative."

Mrs Smithies took the material to the Craven Lacemakers Guild where it was found to be hand crocheted lace and not bobbin lace. The lace is decorated with religious symbols and would probably have been made by members of the church.

"It's nice to celebrate the fact that we've got it, but it will probably be stored away again afterwards," added Mrs Smithies.

Called Lilies, Linen and Lace, the festival will include a preview on Friday June 29, which will be opened at 7.30pm by the chairman of Yorkshire in Bloom, Maurice Baren.

There will be a garden party on the Saturday, from 2pm to 4pm, featuring a demonstration on lace- making, stalls and the Salvation Army Community Band. The May School of Dance and soprano Beverley Shuttleworth will present a concert in the evening from 7pm.

And on the Sunday, there will be a morning service at 10am and a Songs of Praise service with guest choir, the Holme Singers, at 6pm.

The festival will conclude with an auction of flowers.

Tickets for Friday's preview cost £5, including wine, and tickets for the concert cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions.

For more information, contact 01535 216475 or 01535 271089.