LOFTY the Lion flicked the switch on a church’s first Christmas tree festival to the delight of children.

More than a hundred people attended the event at St Helens Road Methodist Church in Daubhill on Friday night.

Members of the church’s committee had invited businesses and community groups to sponsor a Christmas tree for £15 then decorate and display it in the church hall all weekend.

The festival also included various stalls and refreshments and raised several thousand pounds for the church’s building maintenance fund.

Committee member Julie Owen from Over Hulton said: “The turnout was excellent and about 30 trees were sponsored.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the children loved Lofty. They were all after his autograph.”