Children help celebrate 50th year of Christingle services

THIS year’s Christingle service in Barnard Castle was extra special as it marked 50 years since the tradition was introduced to this county.

Although Christingles have been taking place in England since the 1960s, the idea began in Germany in 1747.

The Children’s Society brought Christingles to the UK as a way of raising funds through donations. Christingles – made from an orange decorated with red tape, sweets and a candle – are lit and the church lights dimmed.

The service at St Mary’s Parish Church on Sunday evening was taken by Revd Canon Alec Harding, with help from trainee vicar James Kenny. 

Revd Harding said: “We turn a corner towards Christmas with this service. It’s lovely.”