STOCKTON Parish Church was brimming with Christmas cheer today (2 December) as the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon, hosted the annual civic carol service.
Hundreds of youngsters from across 11 Stockton Borough schools attended the service with many showcasing their collective and individual musical talents. Choirs and soloists from Durham Lane Primary School, Crooksbarn Primary School, Rosebrook Primary School, Mill Lane Primary School, Mandale Mill Primary School, Northfield School and Sports College, Junction Farm Primary School, Abbey Hill Academy and St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School.
Children from Layfield Primary School joined the Mayor and the Mayor’s chaplain, Reverend Clay Roundtree, to share the story of the birth of Jesus through bible readings while Egglescliffe CE Primary School led the congregation in prayer.
Reverend Mark Miller, Assistant Minister of Stockton Parish Church led the service.
The Stockton Synthonia Choir helped the audience raise the rafters with two carols and Crooksbarn Primary School was on hand to lead the congregation into ‘Silent Night’.
Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon, said: “During the yuletide service the church was filled with the festive sounds of carols and the story of Christmas. It was so heart-warming to see schools, choirs, local care home residents and community groups from across Stockton-on-Tees come together to give thanks and remember why we celebrate Christmas.”