Crowds turned out to the first Christmas carol service event in Elworth Park in Sandbach – just before England's big match against France.

Organised by the Friends of Elworth Park, the Coop Community Wind Band provided the music on Saturday (December 10th).

About 70 attended and it was the first carol event in the park organised by the Friends of Elworth Park.

Beautifully decorated handmade lanterns were made at a lantern making festival earlier in the day.

The lantern making workshop was organised by Cheshire Arts for Health and hosted by Elworth Methodist Church.

The lanterns lined the park and red and green lighting was put up in the park to bring a real festive feel to the event.

Nicola Cook, secretary of the Friends of Elworth Park and an Elworth town council councillor, was delighted with the event.

She said: "It really was a fantastic night and people all said how much they enjoyed it and how nice it was to have an event in Elworth.

"We want to arrange more events next year so we would always welcome new members.

"Anyone who wants to join can contact me as secretary of Friends of Elworth Park 07494 450324. It would be great to have more people on board."