ONLY the snow is missing from this picturesque scene taken of Burythorpe parish church, near Malton, by Evening Press photographer Nigel Holland.

The hill-top church begins its Christmas celebrations with a traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols tomorrow, at 7pm.

The music will be led by Malton-based choir, Cantamen. People are invited to the service and to the village hall afterwards for refreshments. There seems little chance of a traditional white Christmas scene this year as worshippers make their way up the church paths. Mild and wet weather is set to replace the recent cold snap by the weekend, and weathermen hold out little prospect of festive snowy scenes by next Wednesday. This photograph, and others which have appeared in the paper, could make an ideal Christmas gift. To obtain photographs, call in at 76-86, Walmgate, York, or to our branch office at 22, Yorkersgate, Malton, or write to the Photo Sales Department at our York address, stating the size and number of photographs required.

Pictures cost (sizes approximate): 7 X 5 (£5 plus 50 p p&p), 10X7 (£7 plus 50 p p&p), 12X8 (£10 plus £1 p&p), 16X10 (£17 plus £1 p&p).

Cheques should be payable to York & County Press. You can also order by telephone, using a credit card, by phoning 01904 567135.

Updated: 11:56 Thursday, December 19, 2002