A LARGE congregation met in the stores ring at Hallworthy Market on Thursday evening to enjoy carols, lessons and sketches performed by members of local churches.

Camelford Town Band, under the baton of musical director Stephen Wagstaff, provided the music to many favourite carols, and the singing would have overpowered any auctioneer.

The story of the birth of Jesus was led by the Rev Bryan Ede, the Rev Michael Parsons and Brian Parkman, with readings and sketches from Vivienne Paul, Kathy Rowse, Frank Routly, Sheila Kenner, David Thomas and Sue Ede.

£156 was collected for the work of Little Harbour, Children’s Hospice South West.

The music finished with Camelford Town Band’s signature closure of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’. Proceedings closed with Ricky and his staff at the Wilsey Down serving tea, sausage rolls and mince pies in the Market Café, kindly provided by hosts for the evening, Messrs Kivells Auctioneers. Thanks were expressed to Steve Prouse and staff for Christmas decorations in a truly agricultural environment.

Camelford Town Band is coming towards the end of a busy Christmas season — the night before they led the congregation at Shaldon Methodist Church in an informal evening of favourite carols, beside being involved in performances at Mole Valley Farmers; ASDA, Bodmin; Clease Hall; Camelford lights celebration; Tintagel ‘turning on of lights’; Lanteglos candlelit service; Camelford Scouts; Morrisons, Bodmin and with Camelford Town carol service at the Clease Hall.