CHRISTMAS is coming – and York Minster has started the countdown by installing what is believed to be the UK’s largest suspended Advent wreath.

The wreath measures some four metres across and the cathedral’s team of flower arrangers have created more than 12 metres of decoration.

The first of its five giant candles has now been lit – with November 27 being the earliest possible date for the start of Advent.

Each of the metre high candles can burn for up to three weeks, and with the wreath remaining lit until Epiphany on January 6 the Minster vergers expect to use up 11 or 12 candles this year to keep the wreath lit throughout Advent.

It is thought the wreath is the largest suspended in any church or cathedral in the UK – and possibly the world – and even the dishes used to catch wax dripping from the candles are the size of a wok.

The wreath is suspended beneath the central tower on a mechanical winch, which allows it to be lowered each Sunday for the lighting of the next candle - and also to give easier access to the flower arrangers to regularly refresh the foliage.