A NORTH Yorkshire town is gearing up for the start of its Christmas celebrations this week.
Friday will mark the beginning of Helmsley's two-week annual Christmas Tree Festival, which last year drew 2,500 visitors and raised £4,000 for good causes. It will see 30 individually decorated trees light up All Saints Church every day from 10am to 4pm until December 19.
The trees will all be decorated by a different organisation in the town on the theme of Christmas carols, while there will also be a festive trail around Helmsley where visitors can count up the number of teddies in Christmas window displays.
Helmsley’s Festive Fun Day will be held between 10am and 6pm on Saturday as part of a national campaign to champion local independent businesses.
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