A jubilee flower display with a difference will celebrate North Walsham's diversity and help pay for church repairs.

Local shops, businesses and organisations are being invited to create a small display in red, white, blue and gold representing their character for the exhibition, which will be held in St Nicholas' Parish Church over the Queen's diamond jubilee weekend in June.

'We hope that this will reflect in flowers something of our community and business life. The idea is a bit similar to the Christmas tree festivals, but using flower displays instead,' said North Walsham vicar, Canon Derek Earis.

'We are trying to help people express their thanksgiving for the jubilee.'

The exhibition will be free but visitors will be invited to make donations towards a major restoration appeal for the church's stained-glass windows, including the massive east window which needs �48,000-plus worth of repairs alone.

The medieval church's five-yearly inspection last year revealed that the windows have sagged, buckled and are no longer waterproof due to the effect of the lead, which holds the glass pieces together, heating and cooling over many years. Sections of the glass have also started to crack.

The east window commemorates those lost in the first world war but parts are thought to be of an earlier, 19th-century, date.

A jubilee concert is also planned in the Grade I-listed church on Saturday June 2, featuring music since the coronation during the first half, and finishing with a Last Night of the Proms.

To take part in the flower festival email: vicar@stnicholasnw.plus.com or phone 01692 408971. There is also a form on the parish Website www.saint-nicholas.org.uk