Finishing touches were made to a host of colourful creations yesterday ahead of the opening of one of Norfolk's biggest Christmas tree festivals.

The parish church at Dickleburgh, near Diss, will throw its doors open to the public this weekend for the eighth 50 Christmas Trees in a Church event.

This year's festival is supporting Send a Cow, a UK-based charity that helps African families grow enough food to eat, sell their produce and develop small businesses that last.

The launch of the week-long tree festival will feature Rwandan carols and African drumming, as well as traditional carols accompanied by Ray Hubbard on concertina from 6pm tonight .

The festival, which will feature entries from local businesses and community groups, will run from Sunday to Sunday, December 11 and will be open from 10am to 7pm, except December 11 when it closes at 4pm for the prize giving.

Rev Norman Steer, who organises the event, said: 'The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave.'

Admission is �3.50 for adults, �3 for senior citizens and concessions, and children under 16 are free. Visit www.50christmastrees.com.

See today's EDP Church Chat on Page 54 for information on other Christmas tree festivals