Several Ilkley churches are gearing up for their own Christingle services on Christmas Eve.

For more than 40 years the Christingle service has been a key part of the Children Society’s Christmas celebrations.

Christingle services have grown in popularity over the last few years, raising thousands of pounds for the work of the Children’s Society.

At St John’s, Ben Rhydding, attendance has averaged about 400 for several years and last year well over £450 was raised from the collection.

St John’s, like All Saints Parish Church, will be having more than one Christingle service, due to its popularity.

Parish administrator at St John’s, Pam Mason, said: “We’ve always managed to fit everyone in, but always worry we might have to turn people away, and it seems some that people are put off coming because of the overcrowding. And I dare say there are others who would quite like to come but are aware of the pressure on numbers so leave it for the people with children.”

St John’s Christingle services are at 4pm and 6pm.

Christingle services will also be held at All Saints Parish Church at 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm, at Christchurch at 4pm and at Ben Rhydding Methodist Church at 4pm.