A SPECTACULAR Christmas tree festival is taking place over the next three days at St Mary's Parish Church in Barnard Castle.

The church is home to 50 trees, all of which are lit and decorated, with many carrying a theme depicted by local sponsors, which include shops as diverse at Teesdale Travel, MacFarlane's butchers, Boyes and Help the Aged. Green Lane school and nursery and Montalbo School are also among the sponsors, along with individuals and community and church-based organisations.

The Rev Alec Harding, vicar of St Mary's, said, "There is great excitement about the festival in the church and the town. It promises to be absolutely stunning."

Designs range from a baptism tree, sponsored by those whose children have been christened at St Mary's this year, to one depicting England's patron saint, St George, by Les and Margaret Raw. There is a ribbon tree for the bereaved as well as one for peace and tranquillity all the year round, not just at Christmas.

Mulled wine and mince pies are included in the entry fee of £2.50 for adults, while a children's quiz, including a small prize for each child, is included in their entry fee of £1. Proceeds will go towards the work of the church.

The festival opens this afternoon from 4-8pm and continues tomorrow from 2-8pm and Sunday from 2-6pm.

Following the event, the trees will be dismantled and sold in aid of the Children's Society. Anyone going along to the church car park on Tuesday between 10am-noon can make a donation to take away a tree.

The display coincides with the town's main Christmas festival events, organised by the town council, and which are going on tomorrow afternoon and night.

Mr Harding hopes that the expected influx of visitors will swell numbers at the event.