Spectacular Christmas trees grace St Michael's Church

Some 26 trees have been primped, preened and transformed inside the church as part of the dazzling fifth annual festival, which this year has the theme of stories for children.

Today (Friday December 10) is the last day and the church will be open from 10.30-4pm, but there will also be an evening opening from 7-9pm with the added attractions of mulled wine and mince pies along with the customary warm welcome.

Admission is £2 for adults and free entry for children.

Father Stephen Huggins commented that though the festival opened last week, snow and ice kept some visitors away so the decision was made to extend the event until tonight.

He said: “I thought the Observer put it well last week that despite knock-backs all these church people have rallied round and tried all the harder to succeed.

“We have had four thefts of lead costing something like £7,000 this year which we have managed to raise.

“The Christmas tree festival, as well as being a lovely outreach to the local community and now a part of Bexhill tradition too, is also a valuable source of finance.

“When it snowed we were very disappointed and frustrated but apart from the worst day of snow - which was Thursday, when we were closed - we kept open all the time.

“There has been a steady trickle of people in so we decided to extend it to Friday.”

Father Stephen was also delighted by the response to the St Nicholas service on Sunday, which was attended by 100 people, 30 of those being children.

“The service was brilliant,” he said.“It was fantastic.