A Church in Southbourne set up a community Christmas event for children and families. 

Immanuel Church arranged the Follow the Star Christmas Tree Festival. 

The event spanned over two days, from December 19 to 20.

More than 500 people visited the church to enjoy the host of activities put on by the church volunteers. 

For £3, the children were delighted with a train ride, face painting, a nativity scene dress-up, crafts, games, and a Christmas Tree Festival.

The Christmas Tree Festival saw a room filled with Christmas trees decorated by different groups supported by the church. 

The guests were asked to vote on the best-decorated tree and the tree that was most on the theme.

Roz Bradbury is the church's events and outreach lead Elder.

Roz said: "The children have been really focused on selecting their favourite tree; they take it very seriously.

She added: "Thank you to all the people who participated in the Christmas tree festival; they have put so much effort into making the trees look so wonderful, different and alternative."

Father Christmas also paid a visit to the church, and all the children met him at his grotto and received a Christmas present.

Roz said: "The children have loved it.

"I want to give a huge thanks to all the volunteers.

 "It would have been impossible to put on such a wonderful event without all the people who volunteered their time and energy."

Sam Hardcastle is a local Dad who attended the Follow the Star Christmas Tree Festival with his two children.

When asked about the event, he said: "It is a great thing for the local community.

"My boys are having an amazing time; they are really  looking forward to meeting Father Christmas."

He added: "It is such an affordable event; there is so much to do for such a good price."

In addition, the Immanuel Church run an extensive programme of activities for elderly people with dementia and their carers.

Follow the Star dedicated a particular period to people with dementia to visit the festive event in a more peaceful environment.