A VILLAGE church hosted its annual exhibition and gift day over the weekend on the theme 'Discovery & Exploration.'

Many people contributed ideas and time to the event filling Orton All Saints Church with many interesting and imaginative exhibits and striking flower arrangements.

There was a magical garden laid out in the porch and one of the largest exhibits was based on ‘The Lost Gardens of Heligan’, produced with plants and natural materials.

The ‘Open The Book’ Group, who have been telling Bible stories through drama in local primary schools, produced a very colourful display up in the choir stalls, depicting Noah’s Ark, Joseph and His Many Coloured Coat and other tales.

Jean Scott Smith, from Shap, had an exhibit about Mardale and Shap Abbey, while recordings of dialect were heard in the background.

Jan Hicks had produced a large exhibit from the local archaeological cociety about enclosure and field patterns around Orton, the prehistory of Orton, and the work done at the Roman Fort at Low Borrowbridge over the past few years.

Many other aspects were explored including the railways, Carlisle Cathedral, astronomy, Edward Jenner and immunology, the limestone pavements of Orton and Great Asby, family history and the history of the Mothers' Union.

Last year was the 100th Anniversary of the foundation of the WI in Great Britain, and the Tebay & Orton WI put on a display exploring all that is on offer for members.

The World of Shakespeare was also explored and the beautiful wild flower pictures of the late Judy Dunford added a splash of colour.

Little fingers were invited to explore hidden items in boxes, and decide what they could feel.

A wide selection of ties was also on display to help tell the story of the necktie and how they had developed over the years.

Children from Orton School had put up pictures showing how they had used natural items discovered in the school grounds for an art project.

Visitors could discover and explore The Bible, and find out more about The Appleby Deanery, saint and feast days and there were photographs showing vicars over the years.

Sue Millard and Paul Dunford entertained on harp and flute, and Bill Lawler played the organ.Gordon Harris gave rides around the village in his London black cab.

At the Sunday Joint Holy Communion Service, taken by the Rev. Sandra Ward, members of the Open The Book Group, acted out the Parable of The Talents.

Running at the same time as the exhibition was the annual scarecrow competition on the same theme. This year 25 Scarecrows were entered, giving a varied and entertaining extra attraction around the village.