ORGANISERS are hoping a small forest of twinkling lights and decorations will spring up in the church next month.

The lifeboat restoration group is staging a Christmas Tree and Crib Festival between December 10 and 18 and its hoping for plenty of entries from the village.

Businesses, local groups, schools, families and individuals are all encouraged to take part and let their imaginations run riot. They could even win a prize.

Trustee Dona Watson explained the event, sponsored by the Lottery Community Fund, was a way of keeping the Edward Birkbeck restoration in people’s minds while the boat is in storage.

“It isn’t going to be a huge earner for the restoration group. It’s just something nice at Christmas for the village,” she said.

“We’re still trying to raise money to not only restore the boat but build a home for it. That’s the important thing.”

Trees can be real, artificial or even made out of other materials representing a firm’s trade. The maximum size is 6ft sq and it should be on a stand, lights should be LED if possible and battery powered. Tables will be there for small exhibits.

And while grown ups are admiring the creativity, children will be able to follow a hunt to find a hidden snowmouse and win a prize.

The event runs between 10am and 3pm daily and admission is free, although donations will be collected. Refreshments are available and set up is on December 9 between 10am and 4pm.

Entry forms have been included with newsletters, but they are also available from Loomes and Poppy's. They should be returned to Dona at 30 Bulmer Lane, Winterton-on-Sea, NR29 4AF or emailed to: donawatson1@btinternet.com