CHRISTMAS cheer filled Tavistock Parish Church on Friday as visitors gathered to see in the festive season with the opening of the town's Christmas Tree Festival — the biggest event yet.

Sixty-three trees, decorated by local businesses and organisations, lined the walls of St Eustachius' Church for the fourth consecutive festival.

A lot of time and planning had been spent on the decoration of the trees by organisations such as the Tavonians Theatre Company, Tavistock Library, Operation Sunshine, Tavistock Fire Station, the Rotary and Lions clubs, Tavy Division of Girlguiding UK, Mary Budding Trust, several local schools, the Street Pastors and many others.

The festival was opened by Tavistock mayor Cllr Anne Johnson, and visitors were welcomed by the Rev Michael Brierley and chairman of the Friends of St Eustachius, Canon Dr John Rea, interspersed with songs from the children of the Kelly Prep Choir.

Over the last three years, the festival has displayed around 160 trees, decorated by more than 100 local organisations.

The festivals have attracted around 18,000 visitors and jointly raised £17,500 for church funds.

The festival has grown year on year, starting with 40 trees to this year housing 63.

Christmas Tree Festival co-ordinator Pat Morrison said: 'For the first year we had a real job trying to drum up interest in the festival, but this year we had a waiting list of 14 organisations who wanted a tree.

'We usually get about 2,000 visitors through the doors on the opening night and for the first time, we are open late on Friday, December 7 as well.

'We have had people ringing up from Cornwall saying they wanted to bring a coach full of people to come and visit the festival — it is amazing what we have achieved in four years.'

Pat said organisations that were on the waiting list this year will get priority for next year's festival.

The festival will run until December 9, when it will end to coincide with the Christingle Service — see story page 9.

The Friends of St Eustachius' are always keen to welcome new members to the group. Anyone who is interested in supporting the Friends should contact Dick Eberlie on 01822 618974 or email [email protected]">[email protected]