THE actor popular for his long-running role as Emmerdale's Eric Pollard is set to narrate Ripon Cathedral's Christmas production.

A new version of The Story of Christmas with Carols is being performed at the Cathedral on Saturday, December 1 at 7.30pm.

This year’s narrator is actor Chris Chittell, who has played Eric Pollard in the award-winning ITV soap Emmerdale for more than 30 years.

The new production promises to be another exciting theatrical interpretation of the timeless and inspiring Christmas story. A donkey will star in the production and there will also be trumpeters, dancers, music, drama as well as choral singing from the Ripon Cathedral Choir and Lay Clerks.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for the audience to join in some popular carols.

Guests can enjoy mince pies and mulled wine during the interval.

The Very Reverend John Dobson, Dean of Ripon said: "Last year some 450 people packed the cathedral for a fascinating telling of the Christmas story, raising £7,000 for the Ripon Cathedral Music Trust . I am sure this year’s production will be just as dramatic so take my advice and book your tickets early."

Tickets for the Story of Christmas cost from £17 and can be purchased at Ripon Cathedral Shop or www.riponcathedral.org.uk.