AN event that will well and truly set the scene for Christmas takes place at  Tavistock Parish Church next week.

The church's Christmas Tree Festival will see 46 local businesses, groups and charities decorate a tree to create a stunning effect within the ancient building.

The event has been organised by the Friends of St Eustachius Church and the trees will reflect the nature of each individual organisation taking part.

The festival will run over five days from Thursday December 3 to Monday December 7 and will be opened at 10.30am on the Thursday by Tavistock mayor Mandy Govier.

Various musical events will take place throughout the festival to add to the enjoyment of viewing the trees in the historic setting.

It will be open on Thursday, Saturday and Monday between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

These dates include the Tavistock Dickensian Evening, on Friday, December 4, which will make the town an even more exciting place to visit.

The festival will remain open until 8.30pm on that evening and on Sunday December 6 it will open between midday and 4.30pm.

Anyone attending the church services on the Sunday will also be able to enjoy the spectacle.

The Friends of St Eustachius carry out a number of fundraising events throughout the year in order to contribute to the maintenance of the church.

Entry to the festival will be £1, payable at the door.

The Friends invite people to come over to the Parish Centre (next to the Bedford Hotel) where they will be serving coffee, light lunches and cream teas.

On Dickensian Evening, seasonal mulled wine and mince-pies will be available.

A festival spokesman said: 'Do come and join us and be assured of a warm welcome, both in the church and in the parish centre.'