TAVISTOCK Parish Church is gearing up for several special services in the next few days.

These include the Crib Service for families and children at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, and an all-age celebration at 9.30am on Christmas Day.

The Rev Michael Brierley, priest in charge at Tavistock, said: 'The Crib Service is just wonderful. The blessing of the church crib, and the simple telling of the Christmas story, are the ideal way of starting Christmas for children.

'This year, we have a brand new crib, because our last one fell to pieces. It's been made by an incredibly skilled carpenter in our congregation, and looks absolutely terrific.

'Midnight Mass is no less atmospheric. Everyone is extremely welcome: the church is lit with candles, there are traditional carols, and I'm delighted that from the Methodist Church, with whom the parish church shares this service, the Reverend Jeff Moles will be giving the short, sweet sermon. It's my favourite service of the year.'

The Christmas celebrations at Tavistock parish church do not stop there:?'This year there will be a family service on Boxing Day, as it falls on a Sunday.?The service will be at 9.45am, and will feature a baptism — the 100th child Mr Brierley has baptised since becoming priest-in-charge of St Eustachius' four years ago.

'We look forward to welcoming you,' he said.