TAVISTOCK parish church is this week making final preparations for the most popular carol service of the Christmas season.

Up to 500 people are anticipated at the festival of lessons and carols held by the church on the Sunday evening before Christmas.

The candle-lit service at St Eustachius' Church is a traditional blend of carols and readings from scripture.

The service will feature music by Dupré, Ledger, Poston and Rutter, as well as an arrangement by the church's own director of music, Dr Sean Sweeney, and a contribution on handbells from the church's team of bellringers.

All are warmly invited to the service at 6pm this Sunday.