A FOREST of Christmas trees is to take over a Victorian church in Lymington next week.

The United Reformed Church in the High Street is hosting its second annual tree festival, and up to 40 decorated firs will turn the nave into a blaze of colour from Thursday, December 6.

As well as the festive trees, the church will resound with choral singing, handbell ringing and seasonal organ music.

The trees, decorated by local charities and organisations, will be sold by silent auction after a carol service on Sunday December 9.

The Rev Jane Weedon said: "In many ways this is a celebration of our community.

"All the groups and charities represented here by these trees help to make our town a better place to live.''