The annual Bushey Flower Festival bloomed last weekend and raised more than £2,243 to charity.

The theme this year was God Save the Queen which drew on images of Her Majesty and many designs featured her collection of hats, horses and her coronation dress.

Dione Grimston, countess of Verulam, opened the festival on Friday July 15 after the church contacted her and asked if she was able to come.

Father Neil Kelley, rector of Bushey, said: “I was absolutely delighted Lady Verulam was able to open the flower festival.

“We were highly honoured Lady Verulam was able to come on Friday. She spent some time looking at all the different designs. We were really privileged to have her come.

“The whole festival went really well. We had a lot of people through the doors including some church committee groups and some schools who all decorated their own flowers.

“It was very nice weather as well. We put gazebos outside in the garden and people were outside eating.”

After the event ended on Sunday and the Mayor of Hertsmere Peter Rutledge gave a reading at the ceremony after the festival.

The money raised will be divided between three charities - Barnardos, The Royal Commonwealth Society and Friends of the Elderly.

The church decided to give the money to these charities as they help children, adults and people overseas.

The festival is part of the Bushey Festival and happens each year at one of the different churches in the parish.