THE ‘three kings of Orient’ could be forgiven for accidentally ‘following yonder star’ to Holsworthy this Christmas.

Priest-in-charge for the Holsworthy Benefice Mother Elizabeth Burke and her husband, Mick, recently moved to the area and were keen to bring a bit of festive cheer to the town and its church.

A star now adorns the tower of St Peter and St Paul Church and was created by Mick, who also took on the complex task of hoisting the star — carefully — up to the top of the tower where it shines brightly across Holsworthy.

The lights used to create this homage to the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ were donated by the town’s mayor Jon Hutchings.

Mother Elizabeth said: “Sometimes we can miss the ‘Christ’ in Christmas in all the rush to be ready. Most people are familiar with the scripture that tells us that a star marked the place of the birth of Jesus.

“I thought it would be wonderful to have a star on the church tower that people could see from afar like the wise men on that first Christmas. Having come up with the idea, my husband Mick made it and the mayor, Jon Hutchings, provided the lights.”

It wasn’t an easy task getting the star in place however. Mother Elizabeth said: “Mick and I carried it through town to the church, then Mick hauled it up the outside of the tower with rock climbing ropes.”

The star’s light will hopefully guide many from the Holsworthy area into the church this Christmas for some of the many events planned, including Christmas carols and traditional services.

Mother Elizabeth added: “I pray and hope that people come to the many services taking place over this great festival of Christmas and pay homage to Our Lord, Christ Jesus. All are warmly welcome.”