IT was certainly busy before the start of the annual Christingle Service at Holy Cross Church in Crediton on Sunday, December 14.

Dozens of children arrived to make their own Christingles led by Parish Church volunteers.

They were given a lesson in how to make them and then had to make their own.

All of the essentials were provided, an orange, a red band of sticky tape, a candle, silver foil and four cocktail sticks onto which they could stick sweets.

Kindly, Crediton Morrisons Community Champion Hazel Evely donated 100 oranges, which were all used to make the Christingles.

The helpers made a good supply so that any children arriving late could have a ready-made one.

Fortunately, there were some spare for some of the adults as well.

The service was led by Licensed Lay Minister Antonia Tregenza, a number of helpers giving Readings.

The carol singing was led by Crediton Town Band with Iorwerth Pugh, the band’s Musical Director.

There was a heartwarming moment when everyone at the service stood around the ends of the pews in a large circle and the Christingles were lit.

While holding them, everyone sang Once in Royal David’s City and Silent Night, a prayer was said and then Away in a manger was sung before everyone blew out their Christingles and returned to their seats.

The Christingle tradition was started many years ago by The Children’s Society.

The orange represents the world, the red band the blood of Christ, the four sticks of treats are the four seasons and the candle represents Jesus, the Light of the World.

Donations were accepted in aid of the Children's Society who support children who are having a difficult time, maybe as carers, suffering from mental health or from poverty.

For more details and how to support, visit: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/ .