Pupils from Whitesheet Church of England Primary Academy in Zeals and their parents held a traditional Christingle this week. The Rev Carol Wilson-Barker, Rector of Mere and Maiden Bradley, explained the symbolism behind the orange, red ribbon, four sticks, sweets and the candle and the importance of the ceremony to Christians worldwide.

Before the service at St Martin’s, Zeals, a workshop was held in school where the children and parents watched Rev Wilson-Barker create a Christingle. Principal Karen Brooker said: “The children were fascinated by the story behind the symbolism. They couldn’t wait to assemble their own!”

The children carried their Christingles, made using oranges donated by Morrisons, to St Martin’s, where Year Six children read the story from Matthew 18 of The Lost Sheep and Alex read his own prayer.