A church was filled with displays of red flowers to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

More than 200 people went along to St Peter’s, left, in Queenborough Road, Halfway, over the weekend.

The celebrations started on Saturday morning with a short service led by the Rev Tim Hall.

Throughout the day there were displays of photos documenting the history of Halfway, including images of the original church which was destroyed by fire in 1922.

There was also jewellery, lace-making, crochet, cross-stitching and quilting on show and lunches and cream teas were served in the afternoon.

Displays for the Ruby Flower Festival were put together by schools, community groups and members of the congregation.

Church member Cathie Lewis talked about its history and all the things that have happened there over the years.

On Sunday, the Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott, held a service which was followed by a coffee morning attended by people from the churches in the West Sheppey Benefice.

Margaret Barrow, whose late husband, Michael, was the first vicar at the new church and was involved in its building, also attended on both days.

Warden Sandra Forster said it was a real success and it doesn’t seem like the church has been there 40 years.

“It was a lovely, happy weekend,” she said.

“The floral displays were beautiful.

“Cathie talked about the love that has held the church together and the emphasis was not on the building but the people inside it.”

The weekend raised £442 which will go towards new flooring for the building and another £72 from the collection will be donated to The Mount home in Sheerness.