THIS year’s Christingle service at Otley Parish Church will be streamed live.

The 4pm Christmas Eve service at Otley All Saints’ has been packed out in previous years, with some people having to miss out due to the numbers attending.

That is not a problem the church is anticipating this time as it will be inviting everyone to join in by either picking up a Christingle kit - from outside the church on December 22 or 23 - or to make their own.

Vicar of Otley Rev Graham Buttanshaw said: “For many the Christingle has become the traditional Christmas starter.

“In previous years the 4pm service has been bursting at the seams.

“But now, with streaming on YouTube, everyone can join in live from their own home.”

The church will be also be putting a video on YouTube to show people how to make their Christingles and the service, as always, will be raising money to support the Children’s Society.

Rev Buttanshaw said: “The charity’s work amongst hurt and vulnerable children is more important than ever now, with the extra strains of this pandemic.

“So while we can’t take up a collection in church we are hoping to raise even more than the usual £2,000 through online giving.

“You can find our unique link on the home page at www.otleyparishchurch.org or through our Facebook page.”

He added: “For those who don’t know: the Christingle is an orange with a red ribbon around it, with sweets and a candle on top. It symbolises God’s love for the world made known through Jesus, the light of the world.”

More details about the Christingle arrangements at All Saints’ will be released over the coming weeks.