A North Yorkshire town's annual Christmas festival is underway.

The festival, which is held in All Saints' Church, Helmsley, is called 'Follow the Star, Calm & Bright'.

Trees have been decorated by local businesses and organisations.

The festival will be held until December 14, open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, & 12pm to 4pm on Sunday. There is also a pop-up café every Saturday throughout the festival.

Reverend Melanie Burnside, vicar of All Saints' Church, said: "It has been amazing to see the creativity and see what people have done with the theme.

"All Saints' Church members have also hand delivered Christmas Cards to all the homes in Helmsley and surrounding villages, with a programme of local services and activities and a star shaped piece of card.

"We are inviting residents to decorate their star, bring it along to hang on our special tree and enjoy the festival following the star to enjoy some calm in the midst of Christmas busyness. You would be more than welcome to join them.

Our local undertaker, Adam Collier, will also offer visitors the opportunity to write a card in memory of a loved one to hang on their tree. Last year the poignant messages and prayers that grieving families had left were gathered together and remembered during our Candlemas service after Christmas. It is a great privilege to be entrusted with this care at what can be a difficult time for families coming to terms with loss."

Entry is by donation

All funds raised go to St Catherine's Hospice, Helmsley Together, & Helmsley All Saints PCC.