MORE than 1,200 people packed Worcester Cathedral last night for the Evening News carol service, where they were treated to a spectacular choral performance.

All the pre-booked tickets were snapped up for the second largest festive service in the Cathedral - only midnight mass on Christmas Eve draws a larger congregation.

And those attending were treated to a wide range of music.

The Cathedral Choir sang carols in German, French and a contemporary carol by the Estonian composer, Arvo Part.

Along with the lesser-known carols, the congregation sang their hearts out with traditional favourites like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and O come, all ye faithful.

Master of the Choristers, Adrian Lucas, said his task was to find a balance between exciting rarer carols and traditional old favourites.

"I had to design a programme for the congregation - quite a lot of whom probably don't come to church very often. I wanted to include things that are different and challenging and they haven't heard before, and ones that they can also join in and sing along to."

A member of the congregation, Christine Russell, aged 54, of Bamburgh Crescent, Warndon Villages, Worcester, said this year's service was wonderful.

"It was a lovely service. I liked it that there was more audience participation, and everyone had the chance to sing along.

"The choir were wonderful, and it was good to hear some different music as well.

The Very Rev Peter Marshall, Dean of Worcester, welcomed the congregation to the cathedral.

Stewart Gilbert, Editor of the Evening News, Andy Tipler, managing director of Newsquest Midlands South and Derek Prodger, Chairman of Worcestershire County Council all read lessons at the service.

The collection proceeds were given to the Cathedral's Music and Light appeal.