Frocks of ages go on show in church

The event has been organised by parishioners in villages around Sherburn, between Malton and Scarborough, in an attempt to raise funds for their churches.

The exhibition is among the many events, including hundreds of street parties, which have been staged to mark the Royal wedding and started a resurgence in community spirit across the nation.

More than 60 wedding dresses are on display in St Hilda’s Church in Sherburn in the exhibition, which began yesterday and saw in excess of 500 visitors. The exhibition is continuing today between 10am and 4pm.

One of the organisers, Philip Richardson, said: “It has been wonderful to see so many people come together to help organise everything. The Royal wedding weekend has shown community spirit is still very much alive and kicking here in Sherburn, and further afield.”

The oldest dress on display dates from 1825 while other items include a replica 17th century Civil War dress and a Japanese silk wedding gown. More than 400 photographs of weddings dating from 1867 are also on show.

Money raised will be used to fund an open day for the churches in the Buckrose Carrs Benefice on Saturday, August 13.

Guides to each of the nine churches have been prepared and there will be signs to give visitors at insight into each of the historic buildings.