THE Chairman of Mid Devon District Council, Councillor Peter Heal, hosted Mid Devon District Council’s Civic Carol Church Service at the United Benefice Church of St George and St Paul in Tiverton, on Sunday, December 2.

The service was conducted by the Rev Andy Humm and the address was given by the Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Jacqueline Searle.

Readings were by Cllr Heal, Rev Canon Michael Hall and Mr Matthew Heal.

The guest speaker was Mrs Jan Collacott, from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and a collection was taken in aid of the Crediton branch of MS Society.

During the church service Mr Heal told the congregation that he was supporting the charity because his daughter suffers from MS.

The service included favourite Christmas carols and prayers and elected councillors stood to reaffirm their commitment to their responsibilities to their communities.

Among the guests who attended the service were many Mayors and Mayoresses from authorities and towns across the county, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon Elizabeth D’Erlanger, the chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr Caroline Chugg and the High Sheriff of Devon, Grania Phillips.

Representatives from some community groups also attended.

The service concluded with “The National Anthem” and before the service the church bells were rung.

Organist was Mr Rodney Parvess.

Refreshments were enjoyed after the service at the Old Heathcoat School Community Centre.