IT'S still only September but York Minster is already preparing to start selling tickets for its popular Christmas Carol Concerts.

Director of music Robert Sharpe said more than a third of tickets for last year's concerts sold within 24 hours, including the most highly-sought after seats at the front of the Nave.

“The Christmas Carol Concerts always prove popular, with many people coming year after year, as the perfect way to start the festive season," he said.

“York Minster’s 2015 concerts will feature traditional Christmas music and carols performed by the full York Minster Choir with musical accompaniment by the Yorkshire Volunteers Band.”

The concerts will take place at 7pm on Friday December 4 and Saturday December 5 and tickets will go on sale on at 9.30am next Wednesday, costing £12, £18 and £25.

They can be booked online at www.yorkminster.org, by phoning 01904 557208 or in person from the cathedral's admissions desks.

Other services, events and activities at the Minster in December include a performance of Handel’s Messiah by the York Minster Choir on December 12, the candlelit Sankta Lucia service on December 11 and festive craft workshops on the Saturdays December 5, 12 and 19.