Free Christmas trees for schools and churches as estate gets into the festive spirit
Schools and churches in and around a Shropshire village have been given a free Christmas tree as a nearby estate gears up for the festive season.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The Apley Estate, on the A442 between Telford and Bridgnorth, has spread Christmas cheer by donating trees to local primary schools and three nearby churches.
The lucky schools include Worfield Endowed CE Primary School and St Mary’s Bluecoat C of E Primary School, St. Leonards Primary School and St John's Catholic Primary School, all in Bridgnorth.
The estate has also handed trees to St Leonards Church and the two St Mary’s churches nearby.
For every tree donated or cut down to sell at Apley Farm Shop or the shop Apley on the High Street, in Bridgnorth, the estate plants another.
It comes ahead of what promises to be the estate's biggest ever Christmas Market this weekend, with 18 stalls around the courtyard as well as the resident independent shops, Food Hall, Kitchen Café and Playbarn open for visitors.
Graeme Manton, estate director at Apley, said: “We are delighted to be able to officially launch our Christmas offering - both by continuing with our annual donation of Christmas trees to nearby schools and churches, and hosting our annual Christmas market this weekend, which promises to be the biggest and best yet.
“At the market you can find all you need to prepare for Christmas, from holly to hampers, cakes to candles, mince pies to mistletoe.
“It is the perfect way to start your Christmas shopping with local crafts, handmade gifts, festive tastings and more - including a special visit from Santa, who will take time out of his busy schedule to meet the younger visitors around lunch time on both days.”
The free-to-enter market will run from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24.
