Anthony CarrollAbout 1,000 people sang their hearts out last night as they took part in an inaugural seasonal service in Great Yarmouth's landmark St Nicholas Church.Anthony Carroll
About 1,000 people sang their hearts out last night as they took part in an inaugural seasonal service in Great Yarmouth's landmark St Nicholas Church.
Before the civic service, a colourful parade of civic leaders, judges, cadets, torch carrying youngsters and Santa on a giant sleigh made its way from the Town Hall to the church.
Hosted by the mayor of Yarmouth Tony Smith and high sheriff of Norfolk Robert Carter the first event of its kind for the town saw new Yarmouth team rector the Rev Chris Terry give the service in the splendid surrounds of St Nicholas.
As well as popular carols getting the large congregation in the festive mood, entertainment was also provided by the Jolly Rogers, Dusmagrik, the St Marys Singers and a Salvation Army band.
The crowd also had another reason to get in the Christmas spirit as they tucked into more than 1,000 sausage rolls and mince pies made by the mayoress of Yarmouth Sara Smith.
Her mayoral husband said: 'This event is for everyone and we want to make it as inclusive and enjoyable for the people in the borough as possible.'
The jointly hosted service was organised after Mr Carter told the Mr Smith he would like to visit Yarmouth more often as part of his county wide civic role.
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