CHRISTMAS trees are traditionally bedecked with gaudy baubles, lights and tinsel - but not Droitwich Foodbank's, which stood bare of decoration on Saturday night.

The empty tree was entered by the foodbank into this year's Christmas Tree Festival in St Andrew's Church, as a symbol of how many families' tables will be bare this festive season.

Residents and visitors are being asked to stick a star on the tree to show their support of people in need this Christmas.

The stars can represent a donation of food or money, or just simply a message of hope to those who have to use the foodbank's services.

Alice McElroy, who helped to make the tree, put the first star in place on Saturday night, during the town's Christmas Lights Switch On event.