This Rayleigh vicar branched out to entertain youngsters at his service.

The Rev David Parrott, of the Holy Trinity Church in Rayleigh High Street, dressed up as a Christmas Tree during the Christmas Eve ceremony. His spectacular suit was made by one of his parishioners.

He said: "We hold a service every year for the children and it is very popular as all the parents come along too.

"This year I told a story of a Christmas tree who thought he was the most important thing at Christmas. In the end he realised Jesus is."

Picture: Leaf it out - Rev Dave Parrott, who dressed up as a Christmas tree to help explain the true meaning of Christmas.

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