CHRISTMAS arrived three weeks early in Honley when a tree festival and festive street market were held in the village.

On Saturday 20 decorated trees, created by community groups, went on display at the Holy Trinity Church.

The display was opened by BBC broadcaster Jon Hammond.

Another special guest was Santa, who was entertaining children.

The event, which marked the end of fundraising activities to raise £20,000 to improve the church's disabled access, brought in £1,300.

The tree festival coincided with a seasonal street market organised by St Mary's Church.

Church Street was closed to traffic so that stalls could be set up selling crafts, cakes Christmas cards and gifts, jewellery, mulled wine, specialist chocolates and sandwiches.

There was also children's face painting, balloon painting and decoration making in St Mary's Church.

Every half hour, musicians, handbell ringers and drama groups performed in the church.