Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce is running its second festival of trees, a fun festive contest which challenges local firms to create and decorate their own themed Christmas trees.

The completed creations will be showcased at the Cardwell Garden Centre between this Friday and Sunday.

ICC’s membership manager Shari Workman said: “We’re really excited, a lot of people are looking forward to putting up the trees and we’ve had some great designs so far

“There’s still time for people to come in and put in new trees.

“Last year our winners were RIG Arts with a brilliant tree and we also had runners up with Inverclyde Shed creating a driftwood one and Wee Crafty Owl knitting their own tree.

“I think this is a great way for businesses to connect to their communities.

“Many businesspeople think that all they should do is work with other businesses, but if they have that link with the community they’ll support them.

“If you’re here in Inverclyde I think you should connect with Inverclyde.

“It’s also a creative way to have a bit of fun and raise money for a good cause.”

The public will be able to vote for their favourite tree in exchange for a donation to a local good cause, with a winner being crowned on December 3.

The cash raised from the voting will go towards the Festive Friends appeal, which provides Christmas gift boxes for struggling locals.

Paul Carmichael, general manager at Cardwell Garden Centre, said: “It’s good to support local businesses and help get people talking to and connecting with the general public.

“It was good fun last year and there were plenty of funky and interesting designs.

“It’s great fun and we’re glad to be hosting it again.”

Trees can be collected from the garden centre on December 4 from 9-5pm.

This article appeared in the Greenock Telegraph.