Pictures: Christmas tree winners announced at St Mary’s

The festival opened at the town’s Victorian Evening on November 27, with votes open until December 6 for a £1 donation to church funds.

Winners have now been announced as The Warwick Bell Ringers and in the newly created young people’s category, Emscote Infant School.

During almost two weeks of the festival, ‘Da Capo’ a cappella choir sang in the Chancel and the town mayor and Father Christmas came in to vote.

An extra young people’s category was created this year with all trees involved on display in the Beauchamp Chapel.

The money raised will go towards the Capital Campaign for the restoration of the chapel which volunteers said has now passed the £1million mark.

A church spokesperson said: “Fundraising has passed the first £1million since its start in 2013, but there’s still a long way to go.

“The Christmas Tree Festival was an opportunity for us all to celebrate what has been achieved.

“We are pleased to announce the winners as The Warwick Bell Ringers and in the young people’s category the winner is Emscote Infant School.”

The tress will remain in place and a Memory Tree will be on show in the church until the end of advent where visitors can remember a loved one.

Stalls raised funds on the opening evening for Charities such as ‘The Sisters of Mercy’ in Tanzania where last year’s fund helped to build a girls hostel and will this year help build a midwifery unit.

All 31 trees were decorated by schools, community groups and town businesses.