THE Minster’s annual Christmas Tree Festival got off to a flying start this week with more than 100 visitors in the first couple of hours.

The Rev Nigel Done opened the event on Monday with the help of Ilminster town crier Andrew Fox. Pupils from local pre-schools and schools also took part in the opening ceremony.

Brian Ferriss, whose wife Elizabeth organises the festival, said: “We have 54 trees this year, which is as many as the Minster can hold.

“There’s so much variety, it’s wonderful, and so much effort has been put in to each one.

“We have everything from traditional trees to trees made from interesting bits of wood, including a rolling pin and one made of just bits of twigs.

“The sheer variety is just unbelievable.

“Money is raised for different charities from the festival, including national and local ones.

“We had over 2,000 visitors last year and we’d love to have even more this year.

“My wife has done a wonderful job masterminding this and has worked extremely hard.”

The festival runs until Saturday, December 13, and is open daily from 9am-5pm and until 4pm on the final day.

A Christmas Fair in the church on Saturday, December 13, from 10am-12.30pm is an added attraction.

Admission to the festival is free.