St JAMES’ Church in Barrow will once again be full of festive singing with the return of a popular carol service.

The Mail’s annual Christmas carol service will take place on December 19 with people invited to come and enjoy an evening of festive cheer.

The service begins at 6.30pm with the carols being led by St James’ church choir, school children and volunteer singers.

After the service, people can enjoy refreshments including festive mulled wine.

Father Jack Knill-Jones said everyone at the church was looking forward to the annual event.

He said: “The joint choirs have been rehearsing hard and are very excited for this year’s event.

“We’re very much looking forward to it.

"This is the major carol service of the year for us.

"It is a really good event each year.”

Mail editor Vanessa Sims said: “Everyone at The Mail is looking forward to this year’s Carol Service.

“Every year it is a great community event.

“The Mail has supported the service for a number of years and it is a great way for us to give back to Barrow by helping to raise money for great causes in the area.”

In the past, the carol service has fundraised for The Mail’s chosen charities.

Beneficiaries over the years have included Furness Homeless Support Group, Barrow Women’s Community Matters and The Barrow and District Disability Association.

This year The Mail is proud to be supporting Barrow Foodbank and St Mary’s Hospice.

The foodbank offers support to those unable to afford food in the community.

Barrow Foodbank is part of a network of food banks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to end hunger across the UK.

The Mail's campaign 'Feed our Foodbank' is supporting people during a time when people are in the most need over winter.

St Mary’s Hospice offers palliative care to people with terminal illness, supporting them and their families during the most difficult times.