THE National Trust in Worcestershire believes it has lined up the right events and activities to help people enjoy "a good old fashioned Christmas".

Harry Bowell, the Trust's regional director for the Midlands, says: “We all have our own favourite family traditions which we’ve developed over the years and are now part of what we value most about this special time of year, such as sending cards, singing carols and decorating our houses with Christmas trees and other greenery.

"Lots of the places we care for are getting into the spirit of Christmas in their own special way, often taking inspiration from how previous owners and guests would have celebrated the festive season, or creating brand new traditions for their visitors to join in with.”

He added: "At Croome, for instance, we have holly growing in the parkland and folklore says that bringing in of evergreen branches to decorate homes and barns is a custom which goes back to pre-Christmas times. Also, at Croome each year we hold a Christmas Carol concert in St Mary Magdalene Church, where visitors can write their seasonal family traditions and Christmas wishes on our trees.

"Christmas traditions may have changed over the centuries, but special festive food is still a big part of the holiday and Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas pud! Christmas meals and other treats will be available across the National Trust’s places in Worcestershire, including Greyfriars, Croome and Hanbury Hall."

Further details on, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands.