ST Lawrence Church in Alton will provide the venue once again this weekend for the Parish of the Resurrection’s annual Christmas tree festival.

Open from 10am on Saturday and noon on Sunday, the church will be decorated with Christmas trees that represent the community, including groups and organisations, retailers and schools, and how they all contribute to life in Alton.

A memory tree will have a special place in the side chapel for those who wish to write and hang a message for those loved ones whom they miss, especially at Christmas time.

There will be seasonal organ music and carol singing and refreshments provided by the church team.

There will be no charge for entry or refreshments but donations will be welcome toward the mission work in the parish of The Anna Chaplaincy for older people and to assist the Epoulbass Foundation In Cameroon which provides sewing machines for young girls to make an independent living.

In issuing an open invitation to visit the festival, a church spokesman said: “Why not treat yourself and your family to an hour of peace and sparkliness, away from the crowds and the endless shopping and re-connect with the true message of Christmas? We hope to see you there and wish you all a very happy Christmas.”