A CHURCH held a magical festive performance of Scrooge last weekend to start the season with a swing.

The Xcel Church’s Christmas spectacular at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, last Sunday was enjoyed by more than 750 people.

The church is based in Woodham, near Newton Aycliffe and also meets at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre and The Three Tuns Hotel, in Durham.

Members of all ages from all three venues made up the cast and crew, the choir performed and the play was written by member Ben Clack.

The church will host its annual Christmas give-away service at both the Newton Aycliffe and Darlington venues on Sunday, at 11am, when children can receive gifts.

A traditional Christmas Eve service will be held on Wednesday December 24, at 6pm, at the church in Village Close, Woodham.

For more information visit www.xcelchurch.com.