ST Andrew’s Infant School, Creative Response and St Andrew’s Church Choir were winners in the first ever Christmas tree festival organised by St Andrew’s Parish Church in Farnham.

The festival attracted more than 3,000 visitors and raised almost £4,000 towards the running of the parish which costs several hundred pounds a week.

The festival which was designed by RHS gold medallist floral artist Sue Aston, saw 82 distinctive and quirky trees fill the parish church.

In first place was St Andrew’s Infant School with their imaginative and glistening silver tree, decorated with wreaths, white doves and bells – the wooden tree stood out gleaming in front of its 81 competitors.

In second place with their joyous tree home to dozens of colourful birds was Creative Response, an organisation that provides independent arts-related services for vulnerable people.

And St Andrew’s Church Choir came third as they i mpressed the crowd with their tree which was inspirationally led by Steven Lacey and decorated by all members of the choir under the leadership of Jane Lacey.

The organising committee at St Andrew’s commented: “We were overwhelmed with the interest and enthusiasm of all those who took part and the popularity was proved by attendance of more than 3,000 visitors during the five days. Folk came from near and far and for some local people it was the first time in the church.”