Organisers of Cuckfield Christmas Tree Festival are celebrating a record breaking year.

This year’s event, held over the second weekend in December, raised well over £10,000 for charity which has been shared between Holy Trinity Church and this year’s partner charity Action for Deafness.

Paul Goldfinch, a member of the planning committee, said: “It was a fantastic festival and we are delighted to have raised more money than ever before. This year we had 77 trees decorated by a wide range of schools, shops, businesses, clubs and societies, including several new sponsors.

“The event was so successful that we ran out of quizzes for the children and mulled wine after the closing concert. We apologise to those affected and promise to get it right next year !”

The festival is now in its 11th year and has become a popular addition to the village calendar, attracting thousands of visitors. ”Every year we welcome visitors from further afield as word has spread about this special event,” said Paul. “This year they included visitors from East Grinstead, Horsham and one lady from Guildford who had make the trip especially to see the trees.”