TWINKLING lights and creative festive decorations have been employed to raise cash for charity in Oxted.
The first ever charity Christmas Tree Festival took place at the Oxted United Reformed Church last week.
One of the event's organisers, Celia Butler, 61, said her husband David had got the idea after seeing a similar show in Norfolk.
She said: "We saw the display a year ago and felt so inspired because it looked so magical.
"It is a chance for local charities and groups to promote themselves."
In all, nearly 30 Christmas trees were decorated, all in different ways, using unique decorations and lights.
The trees were dotted around the church in Bluehouse Lane for three days, from Thursday to Sunday, December 20 to 23 for four hours in the afternoon and evening each day.
Visitors were welcomed with mulled wine, mince pies and festive songs.
Mrs Butler, of Ballards Lane, said: "It is lovely to open our church and for the charities to raise awareness of what they do locally.
"All the trees are very different and all the charities have created something special. It looks really pretty, all lit up at night."
The local charities involved included Traidcraft, Shelter Box and Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Mrs Butler said: "Each of the charities has set up their own festive scene and it is brilliant.
"I think we would like to hold it again, but possibly every other year. There has been a really enthusiastic response from everyone and it has been a great success."
