ST Giles’ Church in Langford was lit up for a night thanks to the generosity of a local company.

Thomas Ansty, a Heybridge man, does some part-time work for a sound and light company based in Chelmsford called Spotlight Sound.

They would normally be very busy over the summer with major events, such as the V Festival, and private parties, but obviously during the lockdown, none of these events are taking place, so the director of the company thought showing support for the essential services, particularly the NHS.

They have been lighting up a few prominent buildings, including Chelmsford Cathedral.

In advance of the event, Thomas’ father, Mark, said: “Thomas has been allowed to borrow the lights, so hopefully anyone driving by at about 10pm will see St Giles’ looking rather spectacular.”

And spectacular it was.

Many people stopped their cars to wonder at the transformation on Friday, June 26 – some said they hadn’t realised there was a church there at all as they drove through the village.

But now they have seen the light.

A church spokesman said: “We are very grateful to Mark and Thomas, and to Spotlight Sound for their generosity in allowing this wonderful spectacle to take place.”