Get me to the church on time…

Crew manager Steve Moss and Stu Paige (right) decorate the tree

A 20ft Christmas tree arrived at a Shropshire church in time for an annual carol service with the help of firefighters.

The festive fir arrived in style at All Saints Church, Wellington, on board a reserve fire engine delivered by an off duty fire crew ready for the brigade’s Festival of Carols service tomorrow. (Wednesday, December 12th)

Donated by Hoo Farm, the tree will be the centre of attraction for churchgoers throughout the festive season. It was decorated by local firefighters from White Watch at Wellington fire station on their day off watched by Caroline Gwilliam, Minister of Spirituality at All Saints Church.

Group pose next to the Xmas tree on a trailer in yard

The Christmas tree is strapped to ladders on board a reserve fire engine on its way to church. Pictured left to right are Firefighter Rob Sheppard with Hoo Farm’s Caroline and Edward Dorrell and grandson Stanley with Stu Paige, Crew Manager Steve Moss and Watch Manager Aubrey Thomas.

“Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service holds its Festival of Carols service at a different church in the county every year,” said Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Worrall.

“It’s a tradition that we always provide the tree for the church service and it was kind of Hoo Farm to donate one to the church in Wellington this year.”

Pupils from the Old Hall School and Dothill School in Wellington will join members of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service at the church this Wednesday at 7pm.

The annual event raises money for various charities and this year aims to raise funds for the church, Wellington 2nd Guides and the Firefighters Charity.

Firefighter pictured up a ladder against the Xmas tree with a fairy on a pole

Firefighter Stu Paige fits the fairy atop the tree which almost touched the church ceiling

10th December, 2012