Two traditions were celebrated at the United Service held at Delabole on Advent Sunday, December 2.

For more than 65 years there has been a gift service in the village through which toys, games and other gifts are collected and passed on to needy causes.

The large amount of gifts from this year’s service are being passed to the Wadebridge Food Bank for use amongst families in need.

Associated with the annual gift service is the sharing of Christingles, which this year is celebrating 50 years of its revival in Great Britain, the tradition is actually some 271 years old.

The service was led by The Rev Bryan Ede and Mrs Sue Wilcox, with Mr Stuart Biddick as the accompanist.

The lesson was read by Mrs Peggy Sandell, and a sketch performed by Mrs Anne Hopkins, Mrs Marie Shore and Mrs Barbara Tyson.

The service was preceded with a meeting of the family breakfast club, and coffee and mince pies were served at the conclusion.