by Alan Quick

DO you know why we have Christmas trees?

If you think it was because of Queen Victoria, then think again!

Saint Boniface, who was born Wynfrith in Crediton in circa 675 or 680 and who took Christianity to Germany and Holland and other parts of Europe, is reputed to have been the founder of the tradition when he cut down Thor’s oak at Geismar near the present-day town of Fritziar in northern Hesse.

It is said that from the roots of the oak he felled that a small fir tree grew, there beginning the legend and the popularity of a fir tree in households today.

Crediton Rector, Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie and Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree organiser Stella Ahier were recently interviewed about the legend by the Rev Kate Bottley, from "Gogglebox" fame, for the BBC programme "Songs of Praise".

The interview took place during the recently highly successful Christmas Tree Festival which took place in the church.

The programme will be broadcast tonight, Sunday, December 11, from 5.20pm on BBC 1.