A HOST of angels has descended upon Kessingland for the festive season, bringing together the area's businesses, schools and charities.

A total of 33 of the ethereal creatures have been created by individuals and groups as part of the display at St Edmund's parish church.

Made by people including bowls club members, darts players, primary school pupils and pub workers, they each reflect goings-on in the village.

'The idea was to involve the community with the church for advent and Christmas, regardless of whether they were church-goers or not,' said Audrey Griffin, a lay reader who has organised the exhibition of angels with church choir member Janet Ruff. 'They need us and we need them.'

After the idea was mooted by Canon Lyndy Domoney, the pair contacted 40 organisations and businesses in Kessingland to ask them to take part.

On a card delivered to each group, the organisers explained the role of angels in the Christmas story and asked them to make a 2ft to 5ft angel that reflected their role in the community.

Mrs Griffin said: 'The news of Jesus' coming was first taken into a community of ordinary people who were busy doing their jobs.

'The news was given by angels, or messengers of God.'

Now on display in the church, each angel holds a card offering a prayer for the business or organisation, thanking them for their contribution, and praying for others like them across the world.

Creators used all sorts of materials from cardboard and foil to wire and cloth.

While the bowls clubs' angel is on one knee carrying a gold bowl to match his gold halo and wings, an Angel of Domesticity is clutching a mop and rubber gloves.

Mrs Griffin said: 'Our church warden is always rushing round with a broom cleaning up after everyone.

'The prayer is for everyone who helps maintain the church.'

The local Rainbows group made their angel suitably colourful, the local grocery store used dozens of carrier bags to fashion a skirt, and the Sailor's Home pub has given its creation a pint pot.

Charities including Age UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Barnardo's, have also taken part.

The organiser said she was delighted with the response.

'It's amazing.

'The aim was to bring the community together and it's certainly done that. Everyone you meet says 'have you seen the angels?''

The angels will be on display until the New Year. St Edmund's Church is open each day from 10am to 4pm.

The next event St Edmund's is Blue Christmas on Tuesday, when recently bereaved people and those set to have an uphappy Christmas can come together.