A HUNDRED beautifully and thoughtfully decorated Christmas trees are twinkling away in St Thomas’s Church in Salisbury this week as the church holds its annual Christmas tree festival.

The free event attracts thousands of visitors who go to admire the handmade decorations and stunning lights that adorn the trees produced by local community groups, schools and churches.

Some trees have a message or story to tell, some are humorous, others are reflect the hobbies or creative talents of the group that made the decorations, while some trees capture the extravagance of Christmas time.

Throughout the festival there are performances by local singing groups, orchestras and solo musicians, and teas, coffees, lunches and festive refreshments are served in the café.

Admission to the Christmas tree festival is free but there is a collection, with proceeds being split between Wessex Medical Research and social enterprise The Pantry Partnership, which collects surplus food and creates wholesome meals for people in need.

St Thomas’s Church, Christmas tree festival runs until Sunday.