A PARISH church is teaming up with a gardening business for a first-time Christmas venture for them both.

Whitegates Nursery in West Rounton, near Northallerton, is selling its home-grown Christmas trees for the first time, and 40 of the ten-year-old trees will feature in the first Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church, Northallerton.

Jon Grainge, who owns and runs the nursery with his father Bryan, said that they were delighted to be supplying the festival.

He said: “We are a family business with local employees and strong community links and are glad to support a worthwhile local project like this.

“I am sure that all the trees together will look magnificent when they are decorated.”

Each tree at the festival is sponsored by a local business and decorated by charities and community groups.

“This event is bringing together a wide range of organisations in our town, “said Revd Fiona Mayer-Jones, vicar of Northallerton. “Visitors will be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere and the beauty of the trees; but they may also be surprised to discover the range of community activities which go on, many behind the scenes.”

The Christmas Tree Festival takes place Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6 from 10am to 4pm Friday and Saturday, and noon to 4pm Sunday. Admission is free.

Visitors can vote to choose the best-decorated tree, and on Sunday there will be services at 10.45am and 4pm themed around the festival. For details visit www.cofe-northallerton.org.uk.