The fourth Christmas Tree Festival in aid of the charity, the Fishermen’s Mission was officially opened at Central Methodist Church in Helston on Thursday.

Twenty-five local businesses, schools, groups, associations all sponsored a real Christmas tree.

They decorated the trees themselves in their own creative, fun way to the theme of a Christmas carol or hymn.

Helston’s deputy mayor Tim Grattan-Kane opened the display in the morning, before the turning on the Christmas lights.

You can view the tress until the Lantern Parade on December 13. Entry to the event is free and refreshments are available during the day.

See the Fishermen’s Mission facebook page for opening times.

This year, one of the tree sponsors, South West Skills Academy, donated a large hamper filled with Christmas luxuries.

They wanted the charity’s volunteers to judge the best dressed tree and present them with the hamper.

It was difficult and after an hour of debate, the volunteers handed deputy mayor Tim with the names of the winners, he then presented the hamper to the team from Complete Business Solutions Group (based on Water Ma Trout Business Park).

“On behalf of the church congregation, we are looking forward to welcoming the many groups from Helston who are going to decorate their trees. We are also delighted that this is a fun way of fundraising that contributes towards the vital work of the Fishermen’s Mission.

"We are always mindful of the dangers that fishermen have to face at sea but especially now, during the hard winter months,” the Rev Daniel Reed of Central Methodist Church, Helston.

“Everyone is looking forward to seeing the trees decorated and soaking up the atmosphere during the festival."

The Fishermen’s Mission delivers emergency response and welfare help to active and retired fishermen and their families.

This work can only be delivered through on-going donations, so we’re delighted with the response from the community and especially to all at Central Methodist Church for hosting this special event.” Jean Trimble, deputy manager, the Fishermen’s Mission Charity Shop, Helston.