Cromer is officially open for Christmas as the town kick-started their festive season with the opening of the Christmas Tree Festival at Cromer Church.

Eastern Daily Press: A Cromer crab adorned with a Father Christmas hat. Picture: Eleanor PringleA Cromer crab adorned with a Father Christmas hat. Picture: Eleanor Pringle (Image: Archant)

Trees line the walls of the church, with each pew adorned with a floral piece or wreath.

Nativity scenes ranging from traditional figurines to lightbulb -headed Marys also sit atop the tables surrounding the congregation.

Each of these has been made by one of the many wonderful charities or volunteer groups that operate in the town.

From a Cromer FC tree adorned with Santa hat wearing crabs, to a knitted nativity, residents and businesses have pulled out all the stops this year in the hope of being crowned the winning instalment in their category: trees, nativity, and wreaths.

Eastern Daily Press: The trees leading up to the West Window. Picture: Eleanor PringleThe trees leading up to the West Window. Picture: Eleanor Pringle (Image: Eleanor Pringle)

The Cromer Women's Institute have made every decoration on their tree, with the Cromer Church's tree adorned with hand-written notes from the church community.

The majority of pieces also provide an opportunity to donate to their cause, with buckets provided for collection.

Cromer's Mayor John Frosdick will be presenting the trophies to winners on Saturday, December 2 at the Christmas light switch-on event.

Mr Frosdick said: 'It's been such a fantastic job by all the wonderful groups and volunteers which work in Cromer and the surrounding area.

'I'll be counting the voting slips and announcing the winner, and then giving them their rosette.'

Mr Frosdick will also be holding a civic service at the church on Sunday, December 3.

'I'm nervous,' he said, 'But really looking forward to it, it's going to be good.'

To vote in the Cromer Christmas Tree festival, head down to Church Street ahead of the switch-on event.