CROWDS defied the wet weather to turn out in force for the 10th annual canal carol service at Dundas Wharf near Bradford on Avon on Saturday.

Around 250 people crowded the wharf at Limpley Stoke and 15 boats were moored up in the basin for the service, which was lead by The Rev Peter Atwill.

Mr Atwill travels Britain's waterways for the charity Canal Ministries and makes the long journey back to Dundas each year for the service, which is always held on the first Saturday in December.

John Froggett assisted him and the Trowbridge Salvation Army band provided music, with a solo by canal boater Jonathan Haywood.

Mr Atwill said: "Considering the inclement weather it went well. A group of us from Canal Ministries got together and prayed early in the morning that it might be dry.

"God answered our prayers because during the service it was perfectly dry, no one got wet.

"It was not so well attended because of the weather but we had a couple from Truro who have come here especially for the service every year for the last five years and a man came from France too."

The visitors all enjoyed free mince pies and mulled wine by the canal after the service and Mr Atwill said he would be back to lead the service again next year.