A LITTLE girl has brought Christmas to Durham Cathedral by lighting up its traditional Christmas tree.

Seven-year-old Lily Grace Ballantine, from Newton Hall, did the honours illuminating the 20ft tall Norwegian spruce’s 2,000 lights this evening. (Sunday, December 14)

Lily, whose grandmother was recently confirmed in the cathedral, attends Finchale Primary School, and was watched by proud parents, Michael and Rachel.

Mrs Ballantine, a nurse practitioner, said: “She has been very excited about lighting up the tree. When we told her she was jumping around all over the place.

“She loves the cathedral so was very pleased to be lighting it up. We are very proud of her.”

Lily lit up the tree, which was donated by Ward Brothers, of Langley Moor, with the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, in front of packed congregation after carols were sung by the choir.

The dean then carried out the Blessing of the Crib in the west end of the cathedral.

He said: “For many, the image of the nativity scene epitomises Christmas, and there is something very special about watching the crib be blessed.

“Christmas is a celebration of the miracle of Christ’s birth and we hope that many families will share that message with their children by bringing them to this beautiful and magical feeling service.”

The cathedral has been working with the Salvation Army Durham Dales branch for the service, encouraging families to come and bring a gift to go under the tree for those families in need.

Captain Mark Anderson, minister of the church, said: “Last year we took presents to 222 children who would otherwise have had nothing at all to open on Christmas morning. We rely on donations from members of the public to do this.

“These children are living in poverty or from vulnerable families and may have experienced domestic abuse or have a parent in prison.

"We work closely with social services and the various family agencies to make sure these children have something to smile about on Christmas morning, after all, the situation they are in is never their fault.”

For more information on all Durham Cathedral events, visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/whatson