MORE than 40 children and their families gathered at St John the Baptist church, Crowle, near Worcester, for the annual Christingle Service, which raises money for the Children's Society of Gt Britain.

The event was one of a series of similar services across the country which over the years has contributed many thousands of pounds to the charity. Aged from three to 16, the children were all from Crowle and the surrounding area and this year they raised more than £100 for the Children's Society by filling money boxes in the shape of candles.