ONE of the region’s most popular Christmas services will take place this weekend.

The traditional Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Blessing of the Crib service takes place at Durham Cathedral on Sunday.

The annual service is attended by hundreds of families each year

The atmospheric service includes a candlelit procession in darkness by the cathedral choir and clergy, carols and prayers, and the lighting of the 20ft Norwegian Spruce tree, provided by Ward Bros, which will be enjoyed by thousands of visitors and worshippers at the Cathedral this Christmas season.

This is followed by the blessing of the crib, where the congregation gather around to sing Away in a Manger.

This year, seven-year-old William Johnson, from Bishop Auckland, has been chosen to light the tree.

The service will begin starts at 4.30pm, but members of the congregation are reminded to arrive in plenty of time.