A KNUTSFORD church is carrying on a tree-rific tradition this Christmas to help highlight the work of the town’s volunteer force.

For the past few years, St Cross Church has played host to a Christmas Tree Festival in a bid to raise money for charity and the event managed to raise £2000 for the Children’s Adventure Farm last year alone.

Jean Bradley, Minister of Brook Street Chapel, was inspired by the festive idea and, as St Cross Church is taking a break from the event, Minister Bradley has taken up the baton for this year’s festival.

Traditionally, businesses have dressed the trees in the style of their profession but this year, Minister Bradley has asked all of the charity shops in town to display a tree in Brook Street Chapel depicting their own charitable organisation.

“Money is vital for all organisations, but I strongly believe that we also need to appreciate how much work is being done by volunteers in our town,” she said.

“How often do we go into a charity shop only thinking of a bargain we will buy and never give the assistant a second thought?”

There will be no charge for the charities to display their decorated tree and no charge to visit the exhibition.

The exhibition will be open to the public from Thursday December 12 until the following Sunday afternoon.

“Our society is helped so much by voluntary workers, whether it be running a mobile library or driving people to hospital and countless other examples of unpaid service,” added Minister Bradley.

“I hope by attending this event we can appreciate all the voluntary work that is done in this town and that we can give thanks for those who give their time in this way.”

If you would like to display a tree on behalf of your group, contact Minister Bradley on chattyministerjean@gmail.com or call 01565 754465.