CHRISTMAS is rapidly approaching and Tavistock's parish church will set the scene tomorrow (Friday) with the opening of the Christmas tree festival.

More than 50 local businesses, groups and charities will be decorating a tree to reflect the nature of each individual organisation, which will be displayed in St Eustachius' Church.

The festival will run for 10 days from tomorrow through to Sunday, December 5.

Various musical events will take place throughout the festival and a special draw will take place with a prize of a new VW Fox car, which will be on view at the West Street entrance to St Eustachius' Church on Dickensian Evening.

The festival has been organised by the Friends of St Eustachius', who carry out a number of fundraising events throughout the year in order to contribute to the maintenance of the church.

The friends committee was delighted with the success of the first festival last year, which raised around £4,000.

The event will be opened tomorrow at 2.30pm by the town mayor and will continue through Dickensian Evening until 10pm. The festival will conclude with evensong at 6pm on Sunday, December 5.

The opening hours for the festival will generally be between 10.30am and 4.30pm each day, with the exception of the opening day and the two Sundays.

Entry to the Christmas Tree Festival is £1 for adults and free for children.

There will be light refreshments available within the church throughout the festival.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Friends committee, contact the parish office in Plymouth Road on 01822 616673 for more details.