IT may have taken a FIR old effort to get it through the door but a March family once again kicked off a church’s Christmas festival by donating a tree.

The Rutter family of March, who annually give a Christmas tree to the town’s St Peter’s Church, did so again today ahead of this weekend’s festival.

The event is popular across Fenland with many groups and individuals putting their own spin on the traditional tree and placing their efforts in the church for visitors to see.

The festival begins tomorrow (11am-5pm) and will be held on Saturday (10am-5pm) and Sunday (12.30-2.30pm) before a Christingle service is held.