MORE than 1,000 people have visited the biggest Christmas Tree Festival that St James’ Church in Trowbridge has ever held.

Schools, community groups and residents trooped into the town centre church from Tuesday to Saturday to view the 70 decorated trees on display.

Organisers Dorothy McNeish and Cath Senior said they were “absolutely delighted” with the support from the local community.

Dorothy said: “This year’s festival is our fourth and is actually the most trees that we have ever had.

“We have had 11 new ones this year and overall we have five more trees than we did last year.

“We are absolutely delighted with the support that we have gained from the local community. We raised £1,400 last year but are hoping to beat that target this year.”

All the proceeds will be split equally between the Trowbridge Breakthrough charity for homeless people and the international children’s charity Stand By Me.

Work started in September to organise the festival, which features decorated trees from schools, community groups, companies and other organisations.

Mrs McNeish added: “Many groups and organisations have decorated their trees to show the work they do for the people in our community.

“We also get a tremendous amount of support from the church.”

The trees filled the aisles in the church and visitors also had the opportunity to talk to one another and enjoy a Christmas mince pie and coffee. Children were able to decorate a Christmas tree picture.

On Sunday December 8, children took part in a Christmas craft workshop in the Church Hall, creating lots of Christmas crafts and decorations.

On Saturday, December 14, St James’ Church stages its Living Nativity at the Trowbridge Civic Centre, starting at 11am. A procession will make its way through Trowbridge town centre ending at St James’ for mince pies.

On Sunday, December 15, the church hosts its Tea Time Christingle from 4.30 pm. The service will last for about 45 minutes and every child will receive a Christingle, an orange with a candle in it, and sweets around the edges.