Helmsley Christmas Festival's winning tree was rescued from North Yorks Moors blaze

The church was transformed by 22 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, created by businesses, charities and community organisations.

Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite display, with nearly 1,400 votes cast.

This year’s festival took place against the backdrop of a major National Lottery Heritage Fund–supported project which aims to renovate and conserve the historic church building.

The work includes the careful restoration of the church’s Edwardian wall paintings, which provided a striking and enchanting setting for the festival.

The Vicar of All Saints’ Church, the Rev Mel Burnside, said: “The Christmas Tree Festival is all about bringing people together in celebration of faith, hope and community.

"This year, the beauty of the church itself, the stunning 22 Christmas trees, and the 1,500 Angels of Hope all added something truly special to the experience for our 2,500 visitors from near and far.”

A particularly memorable feature was the creation of 1,500 ‘Angels of Hope’ knitted, crocheted and hand-crafted by members of local churches and supporters from across the country.

Each visitor was given an Angel of Hope to take away, sharing a message of hope and joy.

Visitors placed the destinations of their angels on a large map inside the church, showing they travelled to all parts of the UK while others travelled thousands of miles overseas, including Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong.

During the festival, 40 wreaths were made in the workshops, a full house of people had their wits tested by a Christmas Quiz, an excited audience was entertained by the music, songs, and readings of the Helmsley Arts Centre’s artists, while handbell ringers entertained festival visitors.

The generosity of visitors to the Christmas Tree Festival has ensured that the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity will receive a special Christmas present - a cheque for £2,000.

The winning Christmas tree was one that was rescued from the Langdale/Fylingdales Moor Fire by the crew of Helmsley Fire Station.

Their poignant, creative, and imaginative display commemorated the work of the Fire Service tackling this devastating fire, the largest incident of its kind the country has seen in recent years.

The tree was adorned with badges from 15 fire brigades from across the country that assisted on the moor, symbolising unity, courage and cooperation.

A spokesperson for the Helmsley Fire Station crew said: “The Langdale/Fylingdales Moor Fire was an incredibly challenging time, but it also demonstrated the strength of the fire service and the support we received from colleagues nationwide.

"To have that recognised by the community in such a thoughtful way means a great deal to us.”

The Fire Station also used the Festival to highlight the need for more local crew members, to help ensure it can continue to fully serve the community.

Penny Robinson, one of the festival organisers, added: “We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed a tree, crafted an angel, visited the festival or supported it in any way. It has been a wonderful celebration of Christmas, community and shared hope.”