A CHRISTMAS tree festival with a real community spirit attracted dozens of visitors and helped boost a church’s coffers.

The event, held over the weekend at St Columba’s Church, in Clifton Road, Darlington, featured a range of Christmas trees, decorated in different themes by a number of community groups, including schools and nurseries.

The festival began on Friday (December 14) and finished on Sunday with a carol concert.

Among those performing at the concert was the choir of Skerne Park Primary School.

The Reverend Sheila Williamson, who helped organise the event, said it had gone well, but they would have liked more visitors.

More than £100 was raised for church funds, but Rev Williamson said the event was not meant to be a fundraiser, more something for the community to enjoy together.