Sheringham Christmas Tree Festival remembers resident

Bryan received an MBE from the Queen for his community work

The first Sheringham Christmas Tree Festival at St Andrew's Methodist Church has opened in honour of a local man who died before its launch.

Community stalwart Bryan Pigott, 78, MBE, passed away just a few weeks before the opening of the event which he was helping to set up.

Organisers described him as a prominent member of the community which is why they've dedicated the festival to him.

The event hosts 42 trees to raise money for charity until 14 December 2010.

"We've all rallied round and the first festival will be in memory of Bryan because he was very actively involved in helping to set it up and contacting various charities," said Graham.

Each of the trees in the church bears the name of a charity, either national and local, including the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB) and the Sheringham and Beeston Regis Sea Scouts.

"It's looking brilliant," said Graham.

"It really is spectacular with all the trees in place. It's not a particularly large church and because the trees are so close together it's like a huge tree of trees," he added.

The Sheringham Christmas Tree Festival runs until 14 December. For more information, visit St Andrew's Methodist Church website.