A CHRISTMAS tree festival will be held to raise funds for a church near Cockermouth and a charity.

Members of St Barnabas Church, Setmurthy, have organised the festival at Higham Hall. Proceeds will be split between the church and West Cumbria Hospice at Home.

There will be a selection of trees, donated by Moota Garden Centre and decorated by various local groups and people, including Bassenthwaite School and Mothers' Union and Setmurthy Craft Group.

Church warden Elizabeth Marrs said: "We asked people to create their interpretations of Christmas and are looking forward to seeing the results."

The trees will be on show and refreshments available from 10am to 4pm on December 7 to 9. From 11am to 2pm on the Friday there will be wreath-making workshops (£8). At 7pm on the Saturday there will be Christmas songs and carols, mince pies and wine (£5).

The church is looking into installing disabled access. It was also keen to help another charity.

"Hospice is a wonderful local service and touches so many people. We were keen to support it," said Mrs Marrs.

To book the workshop call 01900 823329.

The church, which is in one of the smallest parishes in the country with only 90 people, dates back to 1255 and was rebuilt in 1794.