DECORATED trees took centre stage at an annual event aimed at celebrating the Christmas tradition and raising money for a good cause.

The 11th Christmas Tree Festival will help boost the funds of Save the Children, the charity which organised it jointly with Minehead Methodist Church, which provided the venue.

Spokesman for the organisers Jo Watts said a total of 47 trees had been decorated by both individuals and community groups.

This year's theme was Birds and Beasts and tree decorators came up with a range of innovative ideas.

"They were really impressive," said Jo. "And at least a third of the entrants were new this year, which was really encouraging."

Organisers took £700 in door tickets alone and with children from two schools also taking time to visit the three-day festival, an estimated 1,000 people attended the event.

The festival was opened in traditional style with an evening service in which Minehead Rainbows and Brownies provided some of the entertainment.

"We don't know yet how much we have raised but we're very pleased with the way everything went," said Jo.

Minehead First School pupils are pictured at the festival -from the left, Lucy McCannon, Hayley Spears and Reuben Watts.

Photo: Steve Guscott