Hundreds in festive spirit

Hundreds of people got into the Christmas spirit early in two Shropshire towns.

In Telford scores of people went to the annual Civic Carol Service at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place. The evening included performances by barber shop-style choir The Telfordaires and the Hadley Orpheus Male Voice Choir.

Organised by Telford & Wrekin Council, there was also a collection on behalf of the town mayor Councillor Karen Blundell's charity appeal for 2009/10.

Meanwhile in Wem, hundreds turned out to celebrate the magic of Christmas during a day of festive fun in the town.

Crowds watched a nativity procession, while Santa Claus visited on his sleigh, and the Whixall School choir sang for the crowds. Councillor Douglas Cooley, mayor of Wem, performed the Christmas lights switch-on.