A CHURCH was transformed into a winter wonderland forest of Christmas trees over the weekend.

A magical festive atmosphere was enjoyed by 300 visitors to Birtenshaw Methodist Church, in Bromley Cross, when it held its third Christmas tree festival and fete.

For £15, local people are invited to decorate a tree to raise money for school funds.

A total of 27 imaginatively decorated trees were displayed in the church and visitors voted for the favourite.

The winning tree belonged to the Birchall family.

Entitled the gingerbread tree, visitors were able to decorate pieces of home-made gingerbread and hang it on the tree.

Member of the church who helped co-ordinate the event, Keith Whitter said: “We had Christmas trees which were traditionally decorated to more contemporary designs. Those who decorated the trees were very imaginative and creative.

“As the lights were switched on they really did look magical. The event was our most successful one in terms of how many people visited.”

The Christmas tree festival was opened by Iain Dyer, who coaches the British Olympic Cycling Team on Friday night, during which visitors stepped back in time to enjoy traditional Christmas carols by the trees. The singing was led by The Fogies, of which Mr Whitter is a member. They were dressed in Edwardian costume. A short service was also held.

Mr Whitter said: “There was a real community spirit over the weekend, with other churches and the community supporting the event. We saw new faces which was very nice.

“As well as raising money for the church, we had a stall raising money for our annual fundraiser to support education in Tibet.”