MORE than 10,000 lights brought a winter sparkle to dozens of Christmas trees in St Laurence Church on Sunday.

About 200 people gathered to watch BBC Points West weatherman Richard Angwin switch on the lights to launch the church’s Festival of Christmas Trees.

The Rev Canon Coker, vicar of St Laurence, said: "It went really well.

"People were amazed by the sheer spectacle of the lights and also the ingenuity of all the people who decorated the trees."

The 70 trees were donated and decorated by local organisations, including business, schools, charities and community groups.

Stroud Valley Primary School covered a pine in meteorology in honour of Mr Angwin.

The church will exhibit the trees free-of-charge until Sunday, opening from 10am to 8.30pm on Stroud Goodwill Evening Gloucestershire choral group the Chorus Felum will sing seasonal music among the trees tonight, Wednesday, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5 at the door.