Hot punch and mince pies are adding to the festive flavour at Cromer's annual Christmas tree festival this weekend.

The town's striking cemetery chapel is filled with 25 glinting and guilded firs, which have been decorated by various organisations, clubs and charities from across the town.

A steady stream of visitors have been pouring into the chapel since the festival opened on Friday to marvel at the trees' colourful frosting, enjoy a tasty treat provided by Cromer in Bloom and make donations to the exhibitors.

Cromer mayor Greg Hayman judged this year's entries, which were of such high standard he handed out two highly commended prizes as well as the usual first, second and third place accolades.

Cromer WI took the top prize with their original bare branch design, which featured decorations made from colourful clusters of pasta. Another foodie entry was submitted by the St John's Ambulance cadets, who were awarded third place with their cookie and popcorn festooned fir.

And second place went to Cromer in Bloom, who hung their tree with 100pc natural decorations such as conkers, cinnamon sticks and beech leaves.

Marion Saunders, from Cromer town council - which helps organise and man the annual event - said this year had been the most popular yet with the highest number of entries to date.

'The fact there's increasing numbers means there's people interested in contributing. It's partly a way for local charities and voluntary organisations to advertise what they're doing and there's an opportunity for people to make a donations and people are being quite generous,' she added.

? The festival continues tomorrow from 10am - 4pm.