Over the last few days St Botolphs has been full of brightly-coloured arrangements, both large and small, and one even incorporating a tractor.

The displays were all part of the church's 700th anniversary celebrations.

"The flower festival was absolutely amazing," said Boston vicar, the Rev Robin Whitehead. "There must have been well over 5,000 people come to see the arrangements, and the only words used to describe what they saw were superlatives. And the comments book was full of wonderful remarks."

He added: "The people who have put them together have done a brilliant job."

During the festival, the American Friends of Boston Stump helped to unveil a special plaque commemorating the 700th anniversary of the laying of its first foundation stone.

Among those to make the trip were Larry Phillips, chairman of the American Friends of Boston Stump, and president and chief executive officer Catherine Clark.

The British Consul General, New England, Phil Budden and his family, also came over.

Mr Whitehead thanked the visitors for 'raising a significant amount of money towards the upkeep of our wonderful church'.