A THOUSAND people crammed into Blackburn Cathedral last night for the annual Lancashire Telegraph Christmas Carol Service.

After a spectacular 30-minute firework display in the cathedral grounds, the audience took their place for the night of celebration which saw muscial accompaniment from The Salvation Army, the cathedral choir, and children from schools across the borough.

Seventeen-year-old singer Demi Holborn from Wales also sang her double A-side O Holy Night which is being sold as part of the £1million Cathedral Appeal.

Dean Christopher Armstrong turned comedian for a humourous welcome before drawing the congregation’s attention to problems facing families in East Lancashire this year, such as redundancy, poor health, poor housing.

Canon Andrew Hindley and Canon Sue Penfold also gave readings, as did Nick Nunn, assistant editor of the Lancashire Telegraph.