NEARLY 1,000 people poured into Trowbridge's St James' Church last week to look upon its first ever Christmas tree festival which raised £873 for charitable causes.

Over 50 Christmas trees of all shapes, designs and sizes were put on display at the venue, courtesy of local businesses, other churches, schools and charities, from November 29-December 2, in what proved to be a hugely successful debut.

Organisers Dorothy McNeish and Cath Senior were delighted with their first attempt at the festival and were eager to build on its success for next year.

Mrs McNeish, a member of the congregation, said: "This is the first time we have done this and it was a very positive start. Some of the displays were very impressive and really lit up the church.

"We were looking for a way to reach out into the community and bring people together and we definitely did that.

"We would love to see it back next year as it was a pretty good first attempt at a festival."

The proceeds will go to causes such as the Trowbridge Breakthrough, Children’s Society and Tear Fund.