BRIDESTOWE'S first ever Christmas Tree Festival in St Bridget's Church got off to a rousing start last Saturday night.

A total of 31 lit trees have been beautifully and inventively decorated by a mixture of local businesses, groups, clubs and individuals in the parish.

Among the decadent decorations is a tree by Bridestowe's bellringers decorated entirely in bell ropes and a tree by the Friends of St Bridget's Church surrounded by scaffolding — a nod to their efforts to raise money for the repair of the church tower.

Children from Bridestowe Primary and Treetops Pre-School got in on the action making decorations for the festival, as did the residents of Springfields Residential Home.

The event opened with an evening of music and mulled wine last Saturday, arranged by St Bridget's organist Ann Tait.

The festival concludes tomorrow (Friday) with a short tree service at 2.45pm attended by children from the primary school, followed by a festive tea.

The whole event is intended as a celebration for the community, so entry is free of charge.