CHRISTMAS trees will be displayed during a festival at a church in Writtle next weekend (December 1 and 2).

All Saints Church, in Writtle, is hosting a Christmas Tree Festival where trees of all shapes and sizes will be displayed fully decorated and looking to be voted the best looking tree by the public.

A total of 39 trees have been entered into the competition with each design being put on show inside the church building.

People will be able to view the trees during the day before getting the chance to vote at the end for their favourite.

John Howden, chairman of the event’s planning group, came up with the idea for the festival after he and his wife went to a similar event in Brightlingsea last year.

Mr Howden said: “We went along to the one in Brightlingsea which is an annual event there and we thought this would be a really good event to organise in Writtle.

“We believe a festival like this has not been held in the Chelmsford borough before and entrants can make their tree out of anything they like, whether they choose a traditional tree or other materials.”

Alongside the competition, a remembrance tree will also be at the event to give people a chance to write a message in memory of a loved one.

A tree has also been set up for children to help decorate while a craft fair will be held in the church hall on Saturday.

Performances from the Writtle Singers and Writtle Hand-bell Ringers will also happen during the weekend.

A preview night where vicar Michael Jones will officially open the festival is being held tomorrow night between 6pm and 8pm.

Doors will be open on Saturday from 10am and 6pm and noon to 6pm on Sunday.

Admission costs £2 for anyone over the age of 12 and is free for under-12s.