WORCESTER Cathedral was packed with readers for the traditional Worcester News Christmas Carol Service.

The popular festive event, which for many marks the beginning of the Christmas countdown, has grown in popularity in the last few years and once again there was not a spare seat in the house.

The hour-long service began with the sounds of the choir as they entered the cathedral singing Once In Royal David's City before the rest of the congregation joined in.

Old and young were there from throughout Worcestershire and heard the welcome by the Dean of Worcester, the Rev Peter Atkinson and readings by Worcester News editor Peter John, who read The Christmas Truce, by Carol Ann Duffy, and Worcester News publisher Trevor Sallis, who read Luke 1.26-38.

Mayor of Worcester councillor Alan Amos read from Luke 2.1-7 and Lt Col Patrick Holcroft the lord lieutenant of Worcestershire read Luke 2.8-18.

The congregation joined in with hymns including The First Nowell, In the Bleak Midwinter, Silent Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

The choir sang songs including Gabriel's Message, Procedenti Puero and Infant Holy, Infant Lowly.

The event continued with a collection to raise money for the Worcester Cathedral Music Fund.

Mr John said: "I say it every year, and it is true every year, this was the best one yet. The choir are just fantastic and the mix of carols is really inspiring.

"We owe a great deal of gratitude to many people who work so hard to put the event together and make it so special, but special thanks to the readers who turn up and fill the Cathedral every year.

"Merry Christmas everyone."