Around 350 children took part in the traditional Christingle service in Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral hosted its traditional Christingle service on Monday when 350 children took part in the atmospheric event.

The service, which was attended by around 500 parents, family and friends, included a presentation by pupils from Herne nursery, infants and junior schools.

It was led by Capt Graham Nunn from the Church Army who is also an amateur magician and performed tricks for the congregation.

The highlight of the service, which was established by the Moravian Church in 1747, was the children holding their glowing Christingles, consisting of an orange with a candle, red ribbon and display of fruit and sweets.

President of the Canterbury branch of The Canterbury Society, David Budd said: "It takes a lot of organisation for which I must thank our hard-working volunteers. But the result is a truly wonderful service, especially for children."

Organised by The Children’s Society, this year the service had a theme based on the charity’s good children enquiry, through which young people said friendship was the most important aspect of their lives.

Almost £2,000 was collected during the 75-minute service and will help fund the society’s work with children at risk of social exclusion or who are homeless, disabled, in trouble with the law or are young refugees.