NEWLY decorated Christmas trees lit up Hope Church in Weymouth to mark the start of the Christmas Tree Festival.

The church was adorned with tinsel and fairy lights when 20 charities took on the task of decorating a tree.

Each will act as a fundraising tool throughout the festive period.

The two-week festival has grown each year and, now in its fourth year, the popular attraction looks to be busier than ever.

Hope Church elder and organiser of the festival Geoff King said: "The trees look absolutely fabulous.

"We are expecting the festival to be busy again this year and hopefully raise as money as possible for the different charities.

"Over the next few weeks there are some remarkable live acts and performances taking place that I think will be very popular."

The festival opens to the public on Monday, December 3 and continues until Saturday, December 15. Admission free.