A Christmas tree festival at Lislimnaghan Parish Church in Omagh raised £12,000 for local charities. The event took place over four days in December.

Four organisations received £4,000 each: The Bishops’ Appeal NI, Omagh area of St Vincent de Paul, Newtownstewart branch of Cancer Research NI, and Care for Cancer in Campsie.

Local businesses, churches, schools, and organisations sponsored and created trees themed around Christmas carols or their own activities. The exhibition was titled ‘The Light Still Shines’.

Lislimnaghan’s Rector, Rev Canon Derek Quinn, thanked community groups, organisations, and schools for their involvement in making trees. He acknowledged Arvalee Senior Choir, County Primary School Choir, and church choirs for providing music.

Rev Canon Derek Quinn expressed gratitude to businesses for sponsorship and to tradespeople for ensuring safety and smooth operations.

The festival marked the first such event by the parish in ten years.