OVER 50 trees all individually designed are currently on show at St James’ Church as part of its first ever Christmas Tree Festival.

The festival, which began on Tuesday, will run until Saturday (December 3) at the church.

Each tree is covered in a unique display with information relating to the group who decorated it.

All sections of the church are taking part in the festival including the choir, flower arrangers, bell ringers, youth group and mums and toddlers.

The event is being organised by Dorothy McNeish and Cath Senior.

Mrs Senior said: "It's proved very popular so far with lots of people commenting on the trees and making donations to the charities.

"We came up with the idea as a way to encourage more people to come into the church and because we have been to a few similar events in the past at other churches which we really enjoyed."

Churches, schools, the town council, various charities such as Breakthrough, Dorothy House, Children’s Hospice SW, Larkrise Community Farm and Mercy in Action, as well as local groups such as the WI, the youth orchestra and the Scout group have all designed trees.

Entry is free and all donations will be split between Trowbridge Breakthrough, Children’s Society and Tear Fund.

On Friday the church will be open from 10am until 5pm and on Saturday, the final day of the event, the church will be open from 10am until 4pm.

Refreshments are available and children have the chance to colour their own Christmas tree pictures.