Branscombe Primary got involved with the annual ‘Christingle’ service at St Winifred’s Church last week.

The children had helped to make the ‘christingles’ during the day at school, which are decorated oranges with candles in them.

Led by Reverend Hilary Dawson, she explained during the service what each part of it represents, such as the orange representing the world, a red ribbon around it representing the blood of Jesus, sweets and dried fruits representing the fruits of the earth and the four seasons, and the candle representing Jesus Christ as the light of the world.

The pupils also read out the Christmas story and acted it out in the church for the parents and locals attending.

Branscombe Primary heatechcer Katioe Gray said: “The service was a real spectacle. The children read and acted out the story brilliantly and looked fantastic in their costumes.”

After all the ‘christingles’ were lit, the lights in the church were turned off and the congregation sang ‘Away in a Manger’, and a collection was taken to support The Children’s Society charity.