Monkton Priory Church was the scene of a Christmas Tree Festival with a difference.

A total of 22 local organisations and schools took part in a Christmas tree competition using recycled materials to provide their own unique tree and decorations.

As a result, the ancient Priory Church looked magnificent with its aisle lined with a great variety of Christmas trees making a fascinating seasonal spectacle.

The festival began on Friday, November 30, and ran until December 7 when, with some sadness, the exhibition was dismantled.

Afternoon events ran alongside the festival - fondant icing modelling by Gill Pearce, serviette folding demonstration by Julie Cooper, an organ recital by David Rees, music by the St. Mary's hand bell ringers and an exhibition by the Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society.

The festival ended with a concert by Monkton Community School choir.

Friday's finale began with an appearance by the Mayor, Pembroke Town Councillor Mel Phillips, and the school choir then entertained the crowded church with carols and Christmas songs.

A lovely concert, the choir are worthy winners of Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir's 'School Choir of the Year' Award and are a credit to the dedication and hard work of their teachers Carol Cole and Linda Crockford who conducted them.

After the performance, pianist Juliette Rossiter was given a presentation in gratitude for her work; although she had retired four years ago, she still accompanies the choir and they are fortunate indeed for such a gifted pianist.

At the end of their performance, to great applause, the Mayor announced the winners of the best Christmas trees.

First was Stackpole Mencap Gardens (awarded £50 and a visit to a recycling centre), second was Orielton School (awarded £30) and third was Pembroke Sea Scouts (awarded £20).

Mayor Mel Phillips was most enthusiastic. She and County Councillor Jonathan Nutting had judged the trees earlier in the week.

She said: "They were all magnificent . we walked up and down the aisle many times as judging was so difficult. Each tree was so different and it was a terrible choice to pick the winners. We chose the winning tree as it was all natural, made of a branch of twisted willow and decorated with bunches of chillies, oranges and Chinese lanterns. Everybody did well - it was most impressive, the result of much hard work and dedication."

The organisers of the exhibition, Ken and Pauline Davies and Mike and Carol Davies, were congratulated for a wonderful festival - its success reward enough for all their considerable efforts.

Asked what gave them the idea, Ken said: "It came about after a discussion of the church parish council. We continually get litter and cans thrown over the church wall and we decided some education was needed."

He added that he would like to extend thanks to Pembroke Town Council for their support, to PCC who contributed a display on recycling, to all the organisations which participated, to the team of volunteer parishioners and to everyone who helped to make the festival a success.

The winning tree will be on exhibition in Pembroke Town Hall until Christmas together with a display on the work of Stackpole Mencap Gardens.