Christ Church, in Keighley Road, is planning to hold a Christmas tree festival over the first weekend of the month and wants as many people as possible to take part.

The celebration, to be held from Friday, December 5th, to Sunday, December 7th, is a first for Pendle and will close with a candle-lit carol service. There will be music from local choirs, organists, instrumentalists and bands with refreshments, including mulled wine and mince pies, available.

The team parish for Colne and its surrounding villages is inviting local groups and companies to share in the festivities by decorating a tree. There is space for more than 30 trees inside the church, with themes and names relating to a particular interest encouraged.

A special deal with B&Q at Brierfield has been arranged and 20% discount is available on artificial trees on production of a from the parish, but real trees will be more than welcomed. The size, colour and choice of lights is entirely up to the decorator.

There will be a £5 entry fee for each tree and the competition will be judged by the visitors, with a cash prize awarded to the winning entry at the end of the festival. All proceeds are go to the church building fund.

For more information, contact church warden Pat Watson on 866342.