The Christmas tree at St John the Baptist Church in Royston is back with new decorations - after the original decorations were damaged in a fire.

Until the church suffered severe fire damage in December 2018, the Christmas tree was a regular feature.

Royston Crow: The Christmas tree is back at St John the Baptist Church in RoystonThe Christmas tree is back at St John the Baptist Church in Royston (Image: Christopher Wallis)

The lower branches were always left empty so members of the congregation could place baubles in memory of loved ones who were not with them at Christmas.

In 2017, there were more than 900 memorial baubles added to the tree, but the tree was only up for one week the following year before the fire struck.

While the tree was unscathed, the lights and many of the decorations were coated by toxic residues from the smoke, and were unsalvageable.

The tree is now back in pride of place thanks to the efforts of the fire service, who helped erect it, and the generous response of the congregation, local businesses and residents who helped replace the decorations.

Church member Christopher Wallis said: "The lower branches are already full of messages proving once again that the spirit of Christmas is still thriving!"