Anglican Churches and Schools from across the Somer Valley area have been working together to host their first ever online Carol Service.

The Midsomer Norton Deanery, made up of 19 churches, has responded to the challenge to celebrate Christmas differently this year – due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Revd Matthew Street is the Area Dean, with responsibility for supporting the work of each church. He said: "Unfortunately, we can't gather together for our usual Deanery Carol Service this year, so we are taking the Christmas message online, with all 19 churches and several local primary schools taking part.

" We're hoping that the Christian message of hope we'll resonate more than ever during this festive season."

The Midsomer Norton Deanery Carol Service will include contributions from eight local primary schools:

Trinity Primary School, Radstock,

St Nicholas C of E Primary School, Radstock,

St Vigor's and St John's Church School, Chilcompton,

Westfield Primary Schools,

St John's C of E Primary School, Midsomer Norton,

St Mary's C of E Primary School, Timsbury,

Peasedown St John Primary School

St Julian's C of E Primary School, Wellow

Children from each school will sing carols, display artwork, and read lessons from the Bible.

The Carol Service, which has been pre-recorded, is available to view online at on the Midsomer Norton Deanery YouTube Channel: HERE: the Midsomer Norton Deanery You Tube site