DICKLEBURGH's annual Christmas Tree extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, will be opened by the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, on Saturday, November 29.

DICKLEBURGH's annual Christmas Tree extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, will be opened by the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, on Saturday, November 29.

It starts with a Service of Light which begins at 4.30pm and then runs from Sunday, November 30 to Sunday, December 7, open 10am to 7pm daily (closes 5pm on December 7). Admission is adult £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75, children free.

The festival features 50 individually decorated trees created by local organisations. The event has a competitive edge, as each organisation has the chance to win cash prizes in the public vote. There is also a new award - the Rector's prize for the most innovative tree.

This year's artist in residence is Nick Arnull, a decorative wood turner from Horsford. Mr Arnull has toured South Africa and USA demonstrating his skills to wood turning enthusiasts. He is also in regular demand at events throughout the UK.

Mr Arnull will display a range of bowls, platters and decorative vessels including items inspired by a visit to Dickleburgh Church. He will also be running 'surgeries' on Sunday, November 30 from 2pm to 5pm and Saturday, December 6 from 10am to 1pm, when visitors will be able to chat to him about his work and discuss wood turning techniques.

Church services during the festival: Saturday, November 29, 4.30pm, Service of Light, Sunday, November 30, 9.30am, Said Eucharist, Thursday, December 4, 9.30am, Said Eucharist and Sunday, December 7, 9.30am, Family Service.

Morning coffee, light lunches and teas will be served all day in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). Traditional roast turkey Christmas lunches £5 (plus vegetarian option) and Christmas pudding or apple pie (both £1.75) will be served on Sunday, November 30, Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, noon to 2pm.

All money raised will be shared between the East Anglian Children's Hospice (EACH), St Martin's Housing Trust, Norwich and the parish churches of Dickleburgh, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary, Rushall, Starston, Thelveton, Shimpling and Frenze.

Event organiser, the Rev Norman Steer, said: "We are really looking forward to our annual Christmas Tree Festival. It is a wonderful way to bring people together in the run up to Christmas. We always see so many smiling faces looking at our glorious trees"

For group bookings and further information telephone 01379 854245 or visit www.50christmastrees.co.uk.