WITH the closing date for nominations fast approaching, the search to find North Yorkshire's favourite Christmas carols is entering its final stages.

Dozens of ancient, modern and traditional festive favourites have already been put forward by voters from across the region.

From Silent Night to Jingle Bells and Away In A Manger to Once In Royal David's City, a picture of the most popular Christmas songs is beginning to emerge.

The top five chosen will be sung at Favourite Carols for All, a carol service for the whole community to be held at York Minster, on December 17, at 2pm.

The event is a special celebration of the Christmas spirit and is for everyone, and particularly for people with disabilities, their carers and supporters.

More than 1,000 people have already applied for tickets and organisers at charity United Response are holding a ticket lottery for the remaining places.

Readings at the service, which will be broadcast live by telephone and broadband internet link to people who are housebound, will be delivered by former newsreader Martyn Lewis and Countdown host Richard Whiteley.

The choir of All Saints' School, York, a gospel choir and Musical Arc, an instrumental group that features musicians who have a disability, will also be taking part.

Vote for your top three carols by logging on to the Evening Press website at www.thisisyork.co.uk and following the Favourite Carols For All link.

Or write your nominations on the back of a postcard and send them to reporter Chris Greenwood at the Evening Press, PO Box 29, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 1YN. The deadline is November 15.

If you would like to go to Favourite Carols For All then send an email to info@united-response.co.uk, including your name, address and a contact telephone number.

Or send the same information in a letter to Sarah Black at United Response, 113-123 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, London, SW15 2TL.

Updated: 10:41 Monday, November 04, 2002