ST JOHN'S Church in Whitchurch has been getting into the spirit of Christmas by holding a Christmas tree festival.

The church, located in St John's Street, opened the festival on Friday, November 29 to coincide with the town's lights switch on.

The festival throughout the weekend until Monday, December 2, allowing visitors inside to pay their respects and admire the trees on display.

In addition to the decorated trees, there was a prayer tree, on which people could place a Christmas message.

On the Friday evening carols were sung among the trees, with complimentary mince pies and coffee also on offer.

And on Saturday and Monday lunchtime, soup and a roll was available to all those enjoying the festive atmosphere.

To keep the festive theme throughout the weekend, light refreshments including a glass of mulled wine was available in the evenings.

The event was free to attend but donations were accepted towards the church's Access for All programme.

The programme recently helped fund a new access ramp for the church and with other improvements to be made the church are always looking for donations.

The church has also often been keen to link up with over events in the town and earlier this year joined up with the Blackberry Fair in holding an autumn harvest themed event, as well as serving as an art gallery for the day.