FORMER England international football ace, Sol Campbell, is set to make a special appearance at the church in Corbridge where he and Fiona Barratt-Campbell tied the knot back in 2010.

But this time, instead of wedding flowers, St Andrew’s Church will be decked out in dozens of Christmas trees, as the couple have agreed to judge the popular Christmas tree festival which will take place over four days in December.

The couple, who live at nearby Hallington Hall, will declare the festival officially open by switching on the lights of over 80 entries on Friday, December 4 at a special preview evening for participants.

And the following day, when the festival opens to the public for the first time, they will return at 11am to judge the trees.

Event organiser and churchwarden, Linda Hunter, said: “The church is obviously special to them because it’s where they were married and we’re thrilled that they are able to come along to the festival.”

Fiona is the granddaughter of the late Sir Lawrie Barratt, who founded Barratt Developments, one of the largest housebuilders in the UK.

She spent her childhood living in Corbridge and Ponteland and now runs her own interior design company – so will no doubt be able to cast a discerning eye over the trees decorated by local businesses, schools, community groups – and even the milkman!

St Andrew’s Church is being boarded out for the festival, which was first held in 2012 and has grown each year since, with this year promising to be the biggest yet.

It’s also become a key fund-raiser for the church, with £3,500 generated last year.

“People who came along to the late night shopping evening last year were queuing around the block to see it,” said Linda.

“It’s really something to behold.”

The festival will open to the public from 9.15am to 5.30pm on Saturday, December 5.

It will then be open from 10am to 6pm on the Sunday, and 9.15am to 8.30pm on the Monday to coincide with this year’s late night shopping evening.

The Tuesday will see doors open between 9.15am and 5pm.

Visitors will be served coffee and mince pies while Christmas music, performances from Corbridge Community Choir, a mini Christmas market and a family Christingle service will all take place across the festive weekend.

A full festival timetable is available online at corbridgechurch.org.uk