Video and pictures: Carols ring out for Telford's annual civic service

The service is held at The Place @ Oakengates Theatre in Telford every year as a fundraiser for the charities supported by the mayor of the town.

This year Councillor Leon Murray is raising money for the Telford branch of the Samaritans, the Telford & District Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society and Wellington Cottage Care Trust.

The event on Tuesday started with music from the Abraham Darby Showband, made up of students from Abraham Darby Academy in Madeley.

The welcome and opening speech was made by Jacquie Osmund-Smith, chairwoman of Telford Christian Council's executive committee.

Bible readings were done by Linda Mathieson, of Telford Street Pastors, Frank Maltby, of Churches Together in NW Telford, Reverend Rosemary Freeman, of the South Telford Association of Churches, the Rev Lisa Harper, of the Central Telford Ecumenical Partnership, the Rev Matt LeFroy, of Telford Christian Council, and Councillor Murray himself.

And it wouldn't have been a carol service without a good sing-song of traditional carols.

There was also a reading from Reverend Andy Smith, the ecumenical and area dean of Telford, titled "What kind of messiah are you?" as well as a talk called "Notes for a biography" by Mrs Linda Wilson-Barker of St Andrew's in Shifnal.

There were also performances on the night from the Hadley & District Orpheus Male Voice Choir and barbershop quartet The Telfordaires.

Councillor Murray said he was delighted with the turnout. He said: "The annual carol service is always a fantastic way to kick-start the festive season and it was wonderful to see an excellent turnout this year.

"I would like to thank all those who were involved in organising and participating in the event including the Abraham Darby Showband, Telford Christian Council, Hadley & District Orpheus Male Choir and The Telfordaires.

"This year we are raising money for The Samaritans in Telford, the MS Society for Telford & District and Wellington Cottage Care Trust.

"We would urge people to please help them to continue with their work in the future by giving what you can."

For further information about the mayor's charity appeal or to make a donation, contact the mayor's office on (01952) 380123 or email mayor@telford.gov.uk.