The rafters of the newly decorated St. Peter’s Church rang out with festive cheer on Saturday evening as a Christmas concert helped lighten the cold and dark evening.

The Ilford Operatic and Dramatic Society joined forces with members of St. Peter’s Church Choir in Newbury Park, Aldborough Hatch for the festive event.

Well known carols were interspersed with modern music on the theme of the nativity, poems and readings.

Rev Kate Lovesey, priest-in-charge said: “The evening was a superb start to our Christmas festivities and celebrations of our saviour’s birth.

“The church was open for the first time following redecoration of the interior and repairs to the roof.

“It was a happy, joyous occasion and we are grateful to the Ilford Operatic and Dramatic Society for joining us to make the evening something very special.

She also added: “We went home with the sound of ‘Joy to the world’ ringing in our ears.”