By Nora Parminter

THE 13th Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival was a huge success welcoming more than 4,500 and has, to date, raised £8,500 in aid of church funds.

The trees were decorated by local charities, businesses, groups, organisations, schools and individuals.

The favourite adult tree, judged by visitors at the festival, was decorated by Daphne Pottle’s Lace Group and the favourite children’s tree was decorated by the Fourth Crediton Brownies.

Many visitors took the opportunity to take tours of the Governor’s Room and Bell Tower and there was a concert by the Holy Cross choir on the Sunday evening.

Helpers provided refreshments, light lunches and afternoon teas in The Christmas Cracker Café in the Boniface Centre.

Live coverage on the Thursday evening in the ITV West Country evening news programme helped boost the attendance.

Next year’s Christmas Tree Festival will be held from Thursday, December 1 to Sunday, December 4. ?