THOUSANDS of people got into the festive spirit by enjoying the Penarth Christmas Tree Festival at St Augustine's Church last weekend.

A total of 41 trees decorated the side aisles of the church made by local schools, businesses, charities, organisations and individuals, which colourfully displayed the inventiveness and originality of the participants.

Nearly 2,500 people visited the Festival, which was opened by town Mayor Cllr Martin Turner, on Saturday and Sunday.

Following Breakfast with Santa in the Parish Hall the children processed to the church behind piper, Archie McCaffer and the Festival was opened.

A varied programme of live music took place throughout the two days of the Festival which raised money for Vision 21, a Cardiff charity which helps people with learning difficulties find employment, Acid Survivors Trust International and The Amelia Trust Farm, Barry.

The event raised more than £2,500 that will be split between the three charities.

The judges had the difficult job of making awards to the following trees:-

Business category

Gold Rowley's Designer maker gifts

Silver ACJ Property Services

Bronze Rowley's the Jewellers Design and Repair

Charity

Gold Vision 21

Silver Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

Bronze Tools with a Mission

Children

Gold Albert Primary School

Silver Evenlode Primary School

Silver Victoria Primary School

Bronze Llandough Primary School

Bronze 1st Lower Penarth Brownies

Bronze Tea, Toys and Toast

Family

Gold Mrs P Hoare and Miss C Preece

Silver The Hill Family

Group

Gold Parish Catering Team

Silver Friends of Belle Vue Park

Bronze Penarth Peers W.I.

Organisation

Gold Penarth Library

Silver Penarth Sea Cadets

Bronze Mother's Union

During the course of the Festival the public voted for their favourite tree and the result was as follows:-

Gold Albert Primary School

Silver Penarth Library

Bronze Victoria Primary School