THE flavour of an old-fashioned English Christmas was very much in evidence as a packed Worcester Cathedral celebrated the festive season with the Evening News carol service.

Rampant commercialism seemed a million miles away as the religious aspect of the festivities was brought to the fore at last night's annual event.

The evening began with O Come, All Ye Faithful and the Dean of Worcester, the Very Rev Peter Marshall, then welcomed the congregation.

Many more favourite carols followed... Away In A Manger, A Child Is Born in Bethlehem, The Holly and the Ivy, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Silent Night.

The first reading entitled The Shepherds' Carol was read by Andy Tipler, managing director of Newsquest (Midlands South) Ltd., owners of the Evening News.

Dignitaries at the event included the Mayor of Worcester, Robert Rowden, who read Luke 1.26-38.

Stewart Gilbert, editor of the Evening News, also contributed with a reading from the former poet laureate Sir John Betjeman called And it is True.

A passionate evening came to its conclusion with a rousing version of The First Noel before the final blessing.

"Once again the carol service proved to be a great success," said Mr Gilbert. "We thank everyone who worked so hard to create such a special evening, which I am sure everyone enjoyed."

n Top, choristers during the special service.

n Above, part of the congregation in the Cathedral.

n Right and below, the procession of the Cathedral Choir at the start of the carol concert.

Pictures by John Chapman.

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