THE popular Christmas Tree Festival in Tavistock Parish Church comes to a climax this Sunday afternoon with an equally popular Christingle service for children and their families of all ages.

Children at the service will each be given a Christingle — an orange with a candle in the top — to symbolise Jesus as the light of the world.

The Rev Michael Brierley said: 'We'll light the candles and then put out the ceiling lights.

'It's a very special service indeed, and supports the Children's Society, which does such important work with children who are impoverished or neglected.'

The Christingles are adorned with sweets to represent the fruits of the earth, and the service will feature special Christingle carols and prayers. It will conclude with a tea in the church.

The service begins at 4pm and all are welcome.