ST PETER'S Church in Bournemouth will be filled with music and flowers for Mothering Sunday today.

The day begins with a special service at 11am which is due to be attended by a number of dignitaries representing the county.

HM Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell, HM High Sheriff of Dorset Sir Philip Williams, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth councillor Eddie and Mrs Janet Coope and the Vice-Chancellor of the Arts University Stuart Bartholomew are set to join the festivities.

The service will be followed by a light buffet lunch at 12.30pm.

Then at 3pm the Bournemouth University and Arts University orchestra will lead the choral evensong and finish the day of celebrations with a free concert, beginning at 7pm.

There is no need to book in advance. Anyone willing to join in the fun is welcome to attend.

Team Rector of Bournemouth town centre, Revd Dr Ian Terry, said: "Our town is built on friendships and celebrating the best in everyone.

"St Peter's partnerships with Arts University Bournemouth, Bournemouth University and Bournemouth Borough Council are creative and vibrant.

"We also strongly support the Nightclub Chaplaincy and we want to see our town as a 'city of sanctuary' for all who are in need, particularly the vast numbers of refugees from Syria who need careful placing in welcoming communities. "Bournemouth can be just such a welcoming community, which rejoices in welcoming others in desperate need."

Dr Terry said he sees God's 'mothering' as inclusive and demanding.

"It is no soft option," he said. "But God has wired us up to achieve our best working together to alleviate suffering and to offer hospitality."

The 11am festival sung eucharist - Mozart's Missa Brevis in F - will be led by Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra, with St Peter's Choir.

They will also sing Purcell's celebratory anthem Rejoice in the Lord always.

The guest preacher at the celebrations, at which flowers will be offered to all mothers, will be the Archdeacon of Bournemouth, the Venerable Dr Peter Rouch.