CAROL singers have welcomed back the tradition after a hymn-less 2020.

The recent threat of the Omicron Covid variant has had a sudden impact as choirs approach their last week of singing, with many of the most recent carol services moving outdoors.

But after being unable to meet at all last year due to coronavirus restrictions, carollers said being able to return to their festive tradition has made Christmas “a richer experience”.

Faye Bailey, director of the Mellor Singing Group, said her choir were glad to have been able to perform this year for East Lancashire Hospice.

“It is undoubtedly my most favourite time of year. I love bringing all the different voices together and combining all the different tones and voices and introducing lovely harmonies and the songs are just timeless,” the 39-year-old said.

“I won’t be defeated by Covid, I’ve come so far. There’s no way I’ll be defeated… the choir work, the work I do with the hospice – it brings me a lot of joy and it brings out the best in me.”

Ms Bailey said she is uncertain how services will be affected in the final days before Christmas, adding: “It depends what arrangements have been made and how passionate people are about coming together.”