HUNDREDS of visitors flocked to Evesham's All Saints Church over the weekend to see the display of wedding dresses and memorabilia from WW1 and the early 1900s.

The event, which was in aid of the Bell Tower Appeal, raised more than £700, and organisers said the response from visitors was absolutely wonderful.

Ruby Bayliss, of Charles Close, Evesham, was absolutely thrilled to see her dress as part of the display.

She was married on March 27, 1948, at Hampton Church in the dress which she bought second hand for £8.

She said: "It was absolutely marvellous, lovely to see the dress so beautifully displayed, it brought back some wonderful memories.

"My daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter all came too. Louise, my granddaughter, used to wear the dress in the garden as a child for dressing up.

"She was thrilled at how stunning the dress looked as part of the display. We have some wonderful photographs of the event that we will always treasure."

For organisers Pippa Hodges and Joyce Doyle the exhibition was both exhausting but exhilarating. They said the biggest challenge with the wedding dress display was the tiny size of the dresses compared to modern day mannequins.

The display prompted so many offers of other items the organisers said they may stage another display early next year.

More events in aid of the Bell Tower Appeal are coming up including a free music festival in the marquee at Hampton Ferry on Friday (August 22) and the Auction on Saturday, August 30, at The Ivy, North Littleton.

For more information about the appeal contact Sue Ablett on 07871285606 or sueablett1@btinternet.com or visit eveshambelltower.org.uk.