St Michael and All Angels' Church in Ledbury was packed for the annual Christingle service on Christmas Eve.

It was standing room only at the back with at least 400 people attending.

Families with young children were very much in evidence and every child was given a candle to play a part in the grand finale.

Many children had brought along their own Christingle oranges, decorated with red ribbons and sweets and bearing an unlit candle.

New Zealand exchange vicar Peter Hammersley spoke about the meaning of Christingle and its origins in the Moravian Church. Local children also gave suitable readings.

Hymns included Shine Jesus Shine, as the candles represented Jesus as the 'light of the world'.

At the height of the service, all the candles were lit, from flame to flame and person to person, and the lights of the parish church were turned off.

During the service, youngsters were also given the opportunity of standing round the crib at the front of the main aisle. The stable-scene included its own nodding donkey.