Community spirit is alive and shining among people staging a Christmas tree festival with a difference in Norwich.

The work of community projects is being showcased at the festival at the Ipswich Road United Reformed Church, with 33 innovative trees made up from a range of items including CDs, Lego and even golf balls.

They have been decorated by groups, clubs, schools and individuals from the community with symbols relating to their hobbies, interests and professions.

The festival is on today and tomorrow from 10am-4pm. There is also a Christmas fayre tomorrow including festive coffees, teas and lunches.

Nancy Stewart is an elder at the church and came up with the idea for the alternative tree theme.

She said: 'Although we have some beautiful traditional trees, there are also lots of very different and creative ones. Almost every club has put in a tree and the response has been absolutely wonderful.'

The festival includes an organic creation by the gardening club, decorated with tomatoes.

Both of the church youth groups have decorated a Christmas tree for the festival including the Teddies Group for under-fives and members of the Ipswich Road Hub.

Proceeds from the festival will be for outreach youth projects which support children and young people on the Tuckswood estate and its surrounding areas.

The first is a drop-in service at Harford Community Centre for children between school years seven-11 and provides a safe place for these children to meet.

The second is aimed at primary school children in years two-six. This club is run at the church and provides the children with structured craft activities and games. Both clubs are staffed by volunteers, alongside two students from UEA and one student from City College.