The Saundersfoot United Carol and Christingle Service was held in St. Issell's last Sunday with a large gathering of eager children, parents and grandparents present.

The Rev. Tricia Campion commenced by introducing the guests, the Rev. Lorette Hinson, who represented the Methodists, and Anthony and Janet Standing, who represented the Baptists, each of whom took an active part in the service.

While holding an enormous 'orange' - kindly provided by the Rev. Lorette - in one hand, the Rev Tricia explained the symbolism of the orange with its red ribbon and lighted candle together with the four sticks with fruit and nuts representing the seasons of the year and the food produced.

She then went on to tell how the idea was started by the Children's Society in 1968, a Christian charity formed many years ago to provide care and support for homeless and destitute children. After blessing the crib scene the children were asked to come to the altar to receive their lighted Christingles and then to process round the church and back to the altar steps where they sang 'Away in a manger'.

After the final carol and blessing all the church representatives processed to the door to wish everyone a happy Christmas as they left.