THE Christmas Tree Festival at Lydbrook Church over the weekend was the most successful yet with over 25 trees.

All were beautifully decorated by members of the church and the local community, including Orchard Trust members and children from Lydbrook School.

"There were plenty of appreciative visit­ors throughout the weekend including some who had travelled purposely from as afar afield as Leicestershire to see the displays!" says vicar Rev Nick Bromfield.

Proceeds from the weekend, together with donations to the church of £200, amounted to around £1,000.

On Monday evening, 300 local people braved the cold torrential rain for the Lydbrook Community Carol Concert featuring Lydbrook Training Band and children from Lydbrook School.

The church now looks ahead to its annual Carols by Candlelight service on Sunday (December 18) at 3 pm, followed by Midnight Communion at 11.30 pm on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Communion at 9.30 am.