CHURCH leaders in St Audries decided to use a touch of seasonal spirit in a bid to boost their congregation.

And the Christmas Tree Festival, held at St Etheldreda's Church for the first time, proved a great success.

Village organisations and some from further afield took the opportunity to demonstrate their decorating talents and put the finishing touches to around 30 Christmas trees.

The two-day event last weekend ended with a carol service and organisers declared it an overwhelming success.

"The church looked lovely and we had lots of visitors," said Vicky Nash, secretary of the local parochial church council.

"With congregations in churches generally falling, we were keen to raise awareness and to encourage more people in.

"We thought this would be a nice way of getting people into the church."

Vicky has found joining in the seasonal festivities particularly hard this year following the unexpected death of her daughter on Christmas Eve last year from meningitis.

So she decided to set up a quiet corner of remembrance in the church where other bereaved people could light a candle for those they had lost: "The response really surprised me," she said.

"I was amazed at how many people were also grieving, not only for wives and husbands but also young people.

"I literally sat and talked to people the whole time. Although it was difficult for me personally, it made me realise I had done the right thing."

Pictured admiring the work of parishioners from St Mary's Church in Kilve are Iona and Bonny Hamilton.

Photo: Steve Guscott