A CHRISTMAS tree festival has lit up a village.

Schoolchildren, community groups and churches have decorated ten Christmas trees to transform Barrow Bridge Village into a magical winter wonderland to celebrate the festive season.

The festival opened yesterday at Barrow Bridge Mission with a special Christmas tree light switch on.

It finished with a grand finale, including a special nativity puppet show by children, and a handbell ringing ceremony yesterday (Sunday)

The theme of this year's celebration was Christmas carols and as each tree was lit up, the festive song it represented was played.

The bridge outside the mission was also lit up.

Victoria Park, a member of the pastoral team at the Mission, said: "My son Christian and his friend Jack Horrocks organised it so the Christmas Carol was played a low volume as we were talked about who had decorated the trees and as the lights were switched on, the music was turned up.

"It was incredible, over 80 people were watching it.

"The bridge was decorated by our banner group, the youngest of who is in their 70s."

Schoolchildren visited the Barrow Bridge Mission to deck their trees for the festival.

St Peter's Smithills Dean CE Primary took inspiration from 'The First Noel', Church Road Primary School based their tree on 'It was a Starry Night', Johnson Fold Primary School children used the traditional 'While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night' as the basis for their decorations, Bolton School junior boys were inspired by In the Bleak Midwinter and St Michael's CE Primary School's tree represented Let There be Peace on Earth.

Mrs Park said: "The children have put so much effort into decorating the trees and making the decorations, they are beautiful.

"It was a fantastic night, it was cold and crisp and those who came sang Christmas carols and enjoyed hot chocolate and mulled wine."

She added: "The team has worked so hard to put the festival down and people are welcome to join us for the service in the morning and the grand finale in the afternoon."

Following the morning service, at 10.30a, which people are welcome to, the festival will open at noon until 4pm.

Money raised through donations over the weekend will go to the organisation Christians Against Poverty.

People have a chance to buy the trees after the festival finishes, four have been sold so far and those interested should get in touch with Barrow Bridge Mission by visiting http://www.stpetersparish.info/parish/style10.asp?P=92&m=2.