HUNDREDS of pupils from a city secondary school packed in to York Minster for their annual carol service.

On Wednesday evening more than a thousand parents, governors, friends of the Archbishop Holgate’s CE School and members of the public filled the nave and aisles, joined by Alison White, the Bishop of Hull.

More than 200 students participated in the service as singers, readers, actors, dancers, musicians, ushers, technical crew and in a British Sign Language choir. The school was also joined by more than 150 pupils from nine primary schools across York and East Yorkshire who sang together.

Richard Nihill, the school chaplain, said: “It is a real privilege to present our interpretation of the Christmas story in the beautiful setting of York Minster. We know that for many of the congregation this is their main opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ birth. To have the opportunity to share this with over a thousand people is wonderful. The annual carol service is one of the highlights of the school year."

"We were delighted to have welcomed the Bishop of Hull to join us in our celebrations."

After the evening service everyone stayed for refreshments, sharing in mulled wine and mince pies donated by parents.