The annual Save the Children’s ’Festival of Trees’ has once again decked the halls of Ronaldsway Airport ahead of Christmas.

Nineteen trees have been entered by various organisations to bring awareness of their chosen charities and raise funds towards Save the Children.

The exhibition was launched by the Lieutenant Governor and his wife, Lady Gozney, with the help of King William’s College’s choir.

Members of the public are encouraged to vote for their favourite decorated tree on the first floor of the building and give a donation towards children in need.

This year’s entrants include: Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association, Ashley Hill School with its ’Christmas under the sea’ tree sponsored by Shoprite, Stroke Association and Brush Stroke Art Group with ’Christmas tweetings’, Girlguiding Isle of Man, Manx Wearable Art, which is sponsored by Tynwald Mills, the Post Office, Ramsey Baptist Church with a penguin nativity scene, Mooinjer Veggey Manx Nurseries, Hospice Isle of Man, One World Centre, Advocate John Rimmer Ltd, Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man sponsored by Bill Mummery, Jane Crookall and the maternity unit, King William’s College, Manx Wildlife Trust with a ’Merry Marine Christmas’, Thompson Travel and Oncology Day Unit at Noble’s Hospital sponsored by Standard Bank.

Employees at Standard Bank have worked alongside the oncology unit at Noble’s Hospital to create a tree that features hand-written tips on how to survive cancer by patients.

Jane Gaunt, senior sister at the oncology unit, said: ’We are very grateful for this opportunity to work with Standard Bank to promote what we see as a significant and highly symbolic tree to help all cancer sufferers this Christmas.’

Save the Children’s Douglas branch chairman, John Cuddy, said: ’We and the public have been amazed at the tremendous imagination, flair, humour and creativity that the exhibits demonstrate.

’We receive tremendous support from Ann Reynolds, Director of Ports, and her staff at the airport as well as Steve Daykin, the director of music at KWC and The Buchan School,’ he added.

Last year’s Festival of Trees managed to raise £8,000 thanks to donations from the public.

Winners of the categories ’Best of Festival’, ’Traveller’s Favourite’ and ’Fundraising Champion’ will be announced at a dinner in the Barrovian Hall at King William’s College on January 20.