ALMOST 50 Christmas trees will be on display at a church in Winsford this month as a popular festival returns for a seventh year.

St Chad's Church launched its annual Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday, opened by the town's mayor and junior mayor.

The Swanlow Lane church will be aglow with twinkling lights as the festival takes place over the next week.

Decorated by local groups, schools, businesses and individuals, the trees will line the church hall on display to the public.

Jane Peck, one of the organisers, said: "It’s a great way of bringing the local community together to share the joy of Christmas and have a lot of fun."

A programme of live music will also run each weekend, with the Sandbach u3a Brass Band starting proceedings on December 2.

Northwich Guardian: More trees on displayMore trees on display (Image: Philip Carden)

Vale Royal Musical Theatre, Lostock Ukes, Friendly Voices and an Advent Carol Service continued the music the following day.

Coming up this weekend are the Chester Rock Choir, Feel Good Throwbacks Radio and Winsford's u3a Ukulele Group on December 9.

Closing the festival on the Sunday will be Mereside Brass, Crewe Male Voice Choir and the church's Christingle service.

Proceeds from the festival will go towards supporting the work of St Chad's Church.