Record 1,378 Christmas trees seen at Melton festival

Frisby School pupils Thomas Pearson, Ruby Lauton, Georgina Bailey and Alice Williams take a close look at one of the festive creations PHOTO: Tim Williams

St Mary’s Church hosted 1,378 specimens, 124 more than last year. Each tree was made by schools, community groups, organisations and companies from around Melton and further afield including one from the USA.

Some of the more unusual entries included an eight foot high gabled pyramid tree by Melton firm HHSP Architects, a tree made out of beds by Sysonby Knoll Hotel and a tree made from a welded steel structure with individual hand cut sheet metal leaves, made by Melton firms Lee and Cooke Roofing Ltd and Flashings Ltd.

Church warden Roger Kirby said: “We’re very pleased that people have supported us again and enjoyed themselves. We had queues of people lined up to get in as far down as the park.

Christmas trees galore in St Mary's Church PHOTO: Tim Williams

“The festival which started with 100 trees 14 years ago has raised a very generous amount for Home-Start and for church running costs.”

The event started 14 years ago with just 100 trees and has steadily grown into the largest of its kind in the country.