Artists and other people with imaginative ideas are being asked to come up with some creative designs for a series of Christmas trees that will form a special trail around Norwich.

The Tree Art Trail will be part of this year's NORWICHCHRISTMAS celebrations, and when families visit Norwich from November 17 until the twelfth night of Christmas they will be encouraged to look out for the colourful trees dotted around the city.

There will be between 20 and 25 trees in the trail which is a Norwich City Centre Partnership project and it is being managed by Norwich Arts Centre.

The wooden trees are currently being made and artists and other people with creative minds are needed to create some designs for them.

Stuart Hobday, director of Norwich Arts Centre, said: 'This is a really nice festive project and it involves lots of people from across the community working together to create a great Christmas trail for families to enjoy.

'We need people to send in their design ideas as soon as possible. We would like to hear from artists and also from other people with good ideas. Groups, including schools and other organisations, are welcome to send in their ideas too.

'The important thing is that we are looking for the trees to be designed not decorated and we are interested hearing about designs that involve lighting too.'

Stefan Gurney, Norwich City Centre Partnership manager, said he hoped lots of people from across Norwich would be involved in the project.

He said: 'We are looking forward to seeing some ideas for some beautiful pieces of art that evoke the spirit of Christmas. There are also opportunities for businesses and other organisations to get involved by hosting the trees, and we hope the trail will encourage families to explore what Norwich city centre has to offer during the Christmas period.'

• Each of the trees will be 7.5ft tall and 4ft wide and the chosen artists will each receive a fee of �100 per tree, plus �75 for materials.

Applications, which should be in the form of a drawing or picture accompanied by a short written description and clear contact details, should be submitted by midday on Wednesday, October 19.

They should be emailed to grace@norwichartscentre.co.uk or sent to Norwich Arts Centre, St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4PG.

People whose designs are successful will be notified by Friday, October 21. The trees will be delivered to a group workshop space by November 1 and artists will have until Friday, November 11 to finish their trees.

• Shops, businesses and other organisations are also needed to host the trees in indoor spaces. For more information call Stefan Gurney from the Norwich City Centre Partnership on 01603 212744 or email stefangurney@norwich.gov.uk

It will cost �300 for a business to host a tree. For �500 businesses can sponsor a tree to be hosted by a not-for-profit organisation.

Some of the money raised from each tree will be donated to Norwich Open Christmas which provides lunch and entertainment for those who are homeless or on their own on Christmas Day.

• Are you planning an unusual event for the Christmas season? Email reporter Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk