Leicester Christians in largest ever interactive Christmas celebration

Thousands of people across Leicestershire and Rutland took part in the largest Christmas sing-a-long in the country.

Pubs, clubs, community centres, churches and care homes all took part in "Sing Christmas" on Thursday evening, a unique community carol service that was broadcast live by BBC Radio Leicester.

The carol service was broadcast from the Cradock Arms pub in Knighton, Leicester, and thousands joined in from venues across the region by listening through their radios and singing along with the traditional carols.

Celebrities taking part included Rosemary Conley, the UK's leading diet and fitness expert, and Snooker Champion Willie Thorne. They were joined by the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, MP for Leicester South, Harry Moore, founder of Rainbows Children's Hospice, Dr James Carpenter of the Space Research Centre.

Well-known broadcasters Sandra Herbert and Dave Andrews hosted Sing Christmas and the music was provided by the International Praise Choir, South Wigston Salvation Army Band, The Rainbows Choir and the children of St Thomas More Primary School.

Organiser Jeff Bonser said it was really exciting that so many people came together to "celebrate the real meaning of Christmas".

"This is our most ambitious broadcast of the year. It combines BBC radio and the web with choirs, musicians, celebrities and thousands of people joining together to Sing Christmas," said David Harvey, BBC Radio Leicester, prior to the event.

Sing Christmas was organised by the Leicestershire Churches Media Trust, in partnership with BBC Radio Leicester and Churches Together in Leicestershire.