TAUNTON United Reformed Church's seventh annual Christmas Tree Festival opens today (Thursday) and runs until Sunday.

There are 22 decorated trees, each sponsored by a charitable or not-for-profit organisation.

Entry is free and on Saturday, there will also be Christmas crafts.

Festival co-ordinator Peter Henderson said: “As our thoughts turn to celebration and giving, we want to celebrate the year-round giving of many in our community who sacrifice time and effort to enrich the lives of others.

“This festival is an opportunity to do that.”

The festival will be opened at midday by Taunton Deane Mayor Libby Lisgo.

For full programme details, visit the Tourist Information Centre or the church website at taunton.urc.org.uk.