ABOUT a dozen charities are enjoying the sweet smell of success after receiving a welcome cash boost from a Musselburgh flower festival.

The three-day event, which featured exhibits by the town’s floral art club, took place at St Andrew’s High Church during the 2016 Riding of the Marches.

Organiser Emma Stewart, of Musselburgh Floral Art Club, said: “The theme of the festival was Yesterday, Today and Forever and there were about 17 exhibits around the church. The response from people was amazing – we were overwhelmed. We raised £1,468 for a range of charities.”

Marie Curie was the main beneficiary as the funding was presented in memory of a member of the floral art club and St Andrew’s High Church.

Other organisations which received cheques were: Heart for Art, 9th Musselburgh Guides, CrossReach Counselling, Mary’s Meals, DEBRA, The Hollies Day Centre, Alzheimer Scotland which runs a dementia cafe at St Andrew’s High, the Eskgreen Care Home in Musselburgh, First Step, Musselburgh, and St Andrew’s High Guild.

New members are welcome to join the floral art club which meets in St Peter’s Church on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm.