Minions crib amongst creative Christmas crafts at Great Yarmouth festival

While some looked like exhibits vying for the Turner Prize others took a more traditional approach.

Organisers say Great Yarmouth Minster's Tree Festival has excelled itself this year with an ingenious range of exhibits that had clearly tested the grey-matter of contributors.

Paul Davies, chairman of the trustees, said: 'They are all very interesting. Everybody tries really hard which is very pleasing and thinks outside the box.

'We have got 65 from all sorts of people including individuals and societies.'

With many people submitting displays and models for the fifth year in a row it was getting harder for them to come up with new ideas, he said.

However, everyone had again pulled it off with a tinsel strewn pile of bricks in the shape of a tree, and an A-line shaped step ladder topped with a star among the more unusual models.

A knitted crib scene and even one peopled by Minions were also drawing approval.

Showing for the first time this year were Great Yarmouth Rotary Club, Make it Happen, Hopton Primary School and Potters Rock Shop in Regent Road.

Displaying a model helped to bring a business or club to the public's attention as well as raising money for the Minster church.

The festival opened on Friday and by first thing Wednesday had already raised £1500, a total that looked set to beat last year's and raise much-needed money for repairs.

There is also colouring and a hunt the snowman trail for children.

The festival is open daily until Sunday, 10am to 4pm (11-4pm Sunday). Entry is £2, under 16s free