Dazzling decorations

CHRISTMAS stars . . . Schools winners Beal Vale School with tree builders (from the left) Harry Jones (10), Sampson Cowap (9) and Molly Duffy (9)

A CHRISTMAS tree festival in Shaw proved to be a spectacular success.

Crowds flocked to the third annual event at St Saviour’s Church, Buckstones Road, to see a winter wonderland created by 23 lit and decorated Christmas Trees.

The small church seats 120 people at the most but many more passed through the doors during the two days.

Children from East Crompton St James School and Buckstones School provided seasonal music, while a cafe did a roaring trade serving seasonal food.

A family church service featured a Nativity by the Sunday School and the church was packed later in the day for an informal carols by request event.

Local groups had been invited to decorate the trees and the schools group winner was Beal Vale, whose Year 5 pupils picked a theme of stockings with children writing on their Christmas wishes.

Event co-ordinator Peter Lomas said: “At times on Saturday the church was packed and we must thank our local schools for supporting us and providing exceptional entertainment.

“We recently fitted a new kitchen at St Saviour’s and the ladies put it to excellent use to provide us with a sumptuous spread. Sunday was just as busy, particularly the evening for the carols. Every tree was special and the judges had a difficult job in selecting the four class winners.”

l To view all images taken of this event and to order photographs, go to www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk  or call our promotions department on 0161-622 2130.