CREDITON Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival, held from Thursday, December 1 to Sunday, December 4, has been hailed as a resounding success.

More than 4,000 people went along to view the impressive displays of more than 70 trees decorated by local schools, charities, clubs, societies and businesses in the magnificent interior of Crediton Parish Church.

The amazingly decorated trees, every one different, were a delight to see and brought a real sense of Christmas celebration.

The Festival Co-Ordinator Anne Jerman worked very hard to make the event happen and was thrilled with the result.

She said that there were times when the church was very full with visitors, adding that those who went along were full of praise for those who decorated the trees.

She added that on the Saturday, a staggering 1,658 people attended.

“It was so busy that our catering volunteers really struggled to cope with the demand but they certainly did their best.”

This year, a “gift” tree was decorated by Crediton Foodbank and those visiting the Festival were invited to leave a gift of non-perishable festive fare under the tree.

The Foodbank hoped for crackers, Christmas cake/pudding, chocolate, sweets, nuts, biscuits etc, for its Christmas hampers for struggling families but it received much more than that.

Each day boxes of donated food items were taken to the Foodbank, such was the generosity.

There was a Prayer Tree in the Lady Chapel where visitors could leave their prayers on the tree.

The huge tree at the side of the High Altar was most impressive, its beauty radiating throughout the whole church.

Outside the church, a row of lit trees makes a lovely image against the lit exterior of the church.

Two concerts, one with the Ad Hoc Singers and the other with the North Creedy Choral Society, were highlights of the festival.

The Festival raises funds for the repair and maintenance of the church building - vital for the Grade 1 listed Major Parish Church.

Full details of the amount raised will be announced at a later date.