Magical service at Barnard Castle parish church in aid of Children's Society

CHILDREN were amazed and enthralled as they took part in a Christingle service that had an important message.
The Christingle Choir from Green Lane School took centre stage at St Mary’s Church,  in Barnard Castle, on Sunday. They delighted the congregation with songs that included Away in the Manger and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Christingle candles were handed around and the main lights dimmed, creating a magical spectacle of twinkling lights. The service raised funds for The Children’s Society.
Helen Tate, from the organisation, said 3,745 children are  classified as “children in need” in County Durham.
“About 550 are living homeless in the North East – that’s a terrible figure. Some £3.9million has been spent on mental health services in the North of England and yet there has been a 49 per cent decrease in early prevention grants to Durham County Council,” she said. “A total of 2,165 children are living in energy debt – families are left with the choice of having hot meals or keeping warm.”
Ms Tate said Christingle services were making a difference by raising money.
Canon Revd Alec Harding said Christingle services were introduced in the 1960s by The Children’s Society and are based on a Moravian tradition in Germany.