CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and Tavistock's parish church will be setting the scene for the beginning of the festive season at the end of November.

The Friends of St Eustachius' are busy organising the Christmas Tree Festival, in which 60 local businesses, groups and charities will decorate a tree to reflect their organisations.

The festival will run from Friday, November 30, coinciding with the town's Dickensian Evening, until Sunday, December 9. It will be opened at 2.30pm by the town mayor and will conclude with a Christingle service at 4pm on December 9.

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

The opening hours will generally be between 10.30am and 4.30pm each day, with the exception of the opening day and Friday, December 7, and the two Sundays.

It will also be open until 9pm on December 7 to coincide with late-night shopping in the town.

Anyone attending the church morning services on the Sundays will also be able to enjoy the spectacle and services will take place at 8am and 9.45am.

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

Entry cost to the festival will be £1 for adults and free for children and there will be light refreshments on sale throughout the event.

On Dickensian Evening the Friends will be serving mulled wine and mince-pies.

The friends were delighted with the success of previous festivals, where more than 6,000 people visited each year and are hoping for even greater visitor numbers this year.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the friends committee should contact the parish office in Plymouth Road, call 01822 616673.

Visit the website http://www.tavistockparishchurch.org.uk">www.tavistockparishchurch.org.uk for any last-minute additions or alterations.