The lights were dimmed inside All Saints Church in Walsoken as a packed church congregation lit candles to sing traditional carols.

Wisbech Standard: Walsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian CarterWalsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

The atmospheric service marked the run up to December 25 with families enjoying the occasion to prepare for festivities.

Wisbech Standard: Walsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian CarterWalsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Rev Allan Landall said: “We had about 145 people for the candle lit carol service, it’s always a really popular one for families.”

Wisbech Standard: Walsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian CarterWalsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

The candle lit service is among local favourite highlights of the year with a chance to sing familiar carols, hear readings from the Christmas tale and joining others to soak up the peace, he added.

Wisbech Standard: Walsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian CarterWalsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

The church, which has been a centre of worship since 1146, and is described as ‘the grandest Norman parish church in Norfolk’, will host other Christmas services as follows:

Wisbech Standard: Walsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian CarterWalsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

• Christmas Eve family crib service at 4pm.

Wisbech Standard: Walsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian CarterWalsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

• Christmas Eve midnight mass at 11.30pm.

Wisbech Standard: Walsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian CarterWalsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

• Christmas Day morning worship at 10am.

Wisbech Standard: Walsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian CarterWalsoken Church hold candle lit carol service. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Outside of their regular Sunday services the church holds Bible Studies, messy church, a craft group, choir, bell ringers and a music group.