SAINT Matthew’s Church at Coldridge will hold its very first Christmas Tree Festival from Thursday, December 8 to Sunday, December 11.

Representatives from more than 15 village organisations will be decorating the trees and it is hoped they will provide a wonderful sight.

The church will be open from 9.30am to 7.30pm on the Thursday, from 10am until late afternoon on the Friday and also during the day on the Saturday and Sunday.

All are invited to go along and look at the trees and refreshments will be available.

A programme will be available at a cost of 50p.

On Saturday, December 10, from 6pm to 8pm, following the open church to view the trees, there will be an evening of festive music and food.

Local musicians and singers will be taking part.

Admission will be £4 for adults and £1 for children aged five and over. It will be free for under fives.

On Sunday, December 11, following the open church, there will be a Carols at Coldridge event, which will run from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Profits from donations and refreshments from the Christmas Tree Festival will be donated to local charities for homeless people.

Alan Quick