HUNDREDS of pounds raised at a town's popular annual Christmas tree festival have boosted the coffers of two youth groups.

The 1st Sedgefield Scouting and Guiding groups were each presented with cheques for £650 – thanks to the generosity of visitors to the 2021 Christmas Tree Festival at St Edmund’s Church, in Sedgefield.

The presentations were made at the weekend to Andrew Guppy, on behalf of the Scouts, and Julie Towler, from the Guides.

Volunteer organisers of the festival Brenda Moore, Brian Mutch, Julia and Chris Rowsby, Terri Larcombe, Julie and David Latheron, Michael King and Rachel Stephenson were thrilled to donate the proceeds of the festival for the benefit of local young people.

Chris Rowsby, treasurer of St Edmund’s Church and a member of the organising committee, said: “We are delighted to have been able to help two very deserving local groups and look forward to supporting other community organisations in two years’ time when we are planning another Christmas tree festival.”

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