“CHRISTMAS has begun for me…” said one of the 4,000 visitors to the Christmas Tree Festival, held at Crediton Parish Church, from Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 8.

Event organiser Anne Jerman, said: “In spite of the blustery weather, families and friends came to view the 70 Christmas trees, decorated by local schools, other children’s and community groups and local businesses.

“They were an amazing and colourful sight, much enjoyed everyone that came to see them.

“The tree decorators deserve special thanks for their efforts - their invention, ingenuity, humour and attention to detail is what makes the Festival so special.

“Hayward’s School with their lovely red Poinsettia tree was the favourite children’s tree, closely followed by Landscore School and Muddy Boots nursery.

“The favourite adult tree was the Bow Growing Well Garden tree with its home grown decorations, followed by the Royal British Legion Poppy Tree and Yeoford Yarns hung with orange Christingles.

“The refreshments in the Boniface Centre were much enjoyed where visitors could see also the Newton St Cyres Art Group exhibition and buy from Bridge Books.

“The raffle for Karen Gutans’ painting of the church was won by Jess Pearce and Lynn Clifton won the Doll’s House Kit. There were also many bargains to be had on the bric-a-brac stalls.

“The Festival team are grateful to the Mortimer family for providing the Big Tree at the high altar in memory of John and Isabel Mortimer and to Claire Duthie who sponsored the trees this year.

“Thank you again to all the visitors and everyone that makes this annual event so special from the Festival team, Crediton Parish Church.”

The annual event is one of the biggest fundraisers for Crediton Parish Church. How much has been raised is yet to be announced.