THE spirit of Christmas was in evidence at Worcester Cathedral as a packed crowd enjoyed the festivities of the Evening News carol service.

More than 1,500 people, many of them Worcester's best-known dignitaries, enjoyed an evening of traditional music, with an almost magical performance by the Cathedral Choir.

The commercialism of Christmas seemed far removed, as the true religious meaning behind the festivities came to light at last night's annual event.

The evening began with Once in Royal David's City, with Canon Bruce Ruddock welcoming the congregation, asking people to remove clutter from their lives and to concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas.

Many more favourite carols then followed, with O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel

and Born for us on Christmas Day just some of the festive hymns.

The readings included an extract from A Christmas Carol, which was read by Stewart Gilbert, editor of the Worcester Evening News.

"We were pleased to see such a good turnout," said Mr Gilbert.

"The sight of the Cathedral full was wonderful and it created a great atmosphere on the evening."

Dignitaries at the event included the Mayor of Worcester, Gareth Jones, who read Luke 1.26-38, and Mike Foster, MP for Worcester.

A rousing version of O Come, All Ye Faithful concluded the successful evening, before the final blessing.