CHRISTMAS carol singers and worshippers packed out a city centre church to boost our Guardian Angels appeal.

St Denys' Church, in Walmgate, York, played host to the carol service for Evening Press staff and readers.

A donation plate collected £239.27 which will all be donated to the campaign to raise £300,000 for a high-dependency children's ward at York Hospital.

The service was led by the Rev Allan Hughes, vicar of St Denys', who explained that the plate money from the annual service always went to a charity. He said: "It is lovely to see the church so full and welcome all the members of the Evening Press.."

Adding his thanks to those who attended, Evening Press editor Kevin Booth then read the first lesson, Isaiah Awaits A King From The House Of David.

He said afterwards: "It was a truly moving occasion. We were delighted by the response. It is our local church but people have come from far and wide to support our Guardian Angels appeal".

Liz Page, managing director of Newsquest (York), read Jesus Is Born In Bethlehem, with Ellen Willey, of the York Special Care Baby Unit support group, reading the fourth lesson, The Shepherds Go To The Manger.

Among the carols sung were Once In Royal David's City, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear and While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night.

Updated: 10:16 Tuesday, December 20, 2005