A UNIQUE partnership between an airport and church group has ensured that traditional Christmas Carol services will go ahead this year.

Teesside International Airport will host the special 'Drive In Carols ' event which will enable people to enjoy carols performed by One Voice Darlington from the comfort of their own car.

It has been able to go ahead thanks to Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who stepped in to provide the main airport car park for free.

It will take place on Sunday, December 20, with space for 350 vehicles over two services.

The services will include a talk, prayers and readings from several local churches as well as a live band orchestrating traditional Christmas carols for everyone to sing along to.

One Voice Darlington, a network of churches across Darlington, is led by Reverends Vicky and Barry Thompson, ministers at Darlington Baptist Church.

They said: “We are really thankful to Ben and the airport staff for their help after our previous venue became unavailable.

"We know that this Christmas will be different for us all and are looking forward to a novel and exciting way of sharing the Christmas story.

“With restrictions in number and in singing on our indoor services at the moment, Drive In Carols affords a great opportunity to gather and sing our favourite well-known Christmas songs in a Covid-secure environment.

"All are welcome.”

Mayor Houchen added: “I’m delighted to be able to step in at the last minute and offer our car park at the airport. As the airport is quieter than it would normally have been due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s great to see that we won’t be having another ‘Silent Night’ here until flights resume early in the new year.

“Despite the challenges that remain because of the pandemic, it’s crucial that everyone can still get together in a safe manner and experience as many traditional festivities as possible.

"Whilst this may not be the most normal way of conducting a carol service, it’s a really great idea and I’m sure everyone that comes along will have a great time."

The trailer acting as staging has been kindly donated by local Darlington firm PRD Logistics and the PA system by Kingdom Services.

To book a space at the services, visit the One Voice Darlington Facebook page.