A CHURCH has raised more than £1,700 through its Christmas Tree Festival.

St Nicholas Church, in Long Road, Canvey, opened its doors at the weekend to exhibit 40 Christmas trees from across the community.

Charities, schools, businesses and islanders were encouraged to get into the festive spirit by decorating trees up to six feet tall and displaying them at the church.

The money raised will be used for improvements at the church, and to support families affected by flooding.

Faye Bailey, an ordinand at St Nicholas, said she is delighted with the response from residents.

She said: “It was really nice to see as we had trees coming from right across the island.

“We also had a steady flow of people across the weekend which was really encouraging. I think it’s everything we could have hoped for really, and we would like to thank everybody for their generous support.

“We basically gave each visitor 25 pennies, and they put coins into boxes in front of the trees that impressed them. The tree with the most number of pennies in its box won.”

A tree decorated by the Danny Green Fund, a charity which aims to support children under 16 with the rare condition posterior fossa syndrome, scooped first prize.

It was set up in memory of 11 year-old Danny, who died after a battle with brain and spinal cancer in 2012.

His dad Chris Green said: “It was a really great day and we’re happy to have supported the church’s event.

“We decorated the tree with little baubles that had pictures of children the charity has supported.

"One of our first ever referrals actually came to see our tree. It was really nice, as she’s made an awful lot of progress and was able to work unaided."

Mrs Bailey added: “The Church of England is recognising the effects of climate change this week, and has issued green collars to priests across the country.

“We’ll be putting some of the money aside ready to donate to charities in need of support in the event of flooding. It’s an issue that affects Canvey greatly, but we will support anywhere outside the area that should they be affected.”