A RECORD number of decorated trees were set up for this year’s Festival of Christmas at Clackmannan Parish Church, held earlier this month.

The three day event, held for the 13th year, saw 42 trees on display after they were sponsored and decorated by local families, businesses as well as youth and adult organisations.

All were centred around this year’s theme Wild Life and the festival was made complete by the various groups who came along to provide live entertainment.

The church was decorated with the help of young people from Clackmannan PS who created coloured posters of wild life.

Classes also went along to visit and voted for their favourite displays, wrote a letter and post it to Santa while also solving the puzzle which was hidden among the displays.

Those heading along also cast their votes; third came the display from the Ladies’ Badminton Club in Clackmannan.

Heartfelt Friends, also from the town, came second with their tree while the top prize went to Freya, Evie and Gran from Clackmannan.

On the programme for entertainment were Davy Sinclair and Friends, Clackmannan Brass Band, Sauchie Community Group Choir, the Hillfoots Recorder Ensemble, ukulele group Clackulele, the Resonate Singers and much more.

Craft tables with a range of gift ideas and Fairtrade products, as well as refreshments, were also on offer.

The festival was rounded off with community carol singing on the final day of Saturday, December 7.

Thanks were given to all the sponsors and volunteers for making it a success.

A special nod of appreciation goes to Mrs Helen Paterson, the main event organiser.

Plans are to hold the festival as a way to celebrate next year as well.