CHRISTMAS tree festivals were held in Ross and Chepstow with more in the coming weeks.

There were more than 50 decorated trees at St Mary’s in Ross where church members, organisations and the wider community came together to display their creations.

There were some 30 trees at Chepstow Methodist Church with displays reflecting important dates since the foundation of the church 160 years ago.

The festival at Ross included a concert by the Ross Band and the St Mary’s choir.

Ann Purvis, who helped organise the festival, said: “The church and the community came together and people thought the festival was lovely.

“We had trees decorated by members of the church and organisations associated with it, schools and other community organisations.”

The festival at Chepstow also raised money for Action for Children and Methodist charities.

As well as church members and organisations such as Messy Church, Boys’ Brigade and the Brownies, there were also displays by The Dell and Pembroke primary schools.

There is a tree festival at St Mary’s, Newent tonight (Wednesday) between 5pm and 8pm and on Friday evening local schoolchildren will help launch the festival at St Mary’s in Lydney.

Lydbrook Church of the Holy Jesus holds its festival between Friday, December 11 and Sunday, December 13.

It will be open between 11am and 5pm each day and claims to have more trees than Lichfield Cathedral had in 2014.