A VILLAGE has organised a host of festive events to bring Christmas to light for all.

There will be carols around the 18ft Christmas tree held on Thursday at 6pm in the grounds of Christ Church, in Latchingdon.

Visitors are being asked to bring a torch with them to help light up the village.

There will also be a barbecue for residents to enjoy, with refreshments and burgers for £2.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Festive: knitters have been making knitted decorations all yearFestive: knitters have been making knitted decorations all year (Image: Public)

On Saturday from 2pm to 4pm the community is invited to decorate the Christmas tree inside the church by dedicating a bauble to a loved one.

And on Sunday at 9.30am a traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place.

Later in the month, on Friday, December 15, Santa will be paying a visit to the village in his sleigh.

He will be handing out treats to good boys and girls, and his elves will be holding donation boxes to raise money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

The events are sponsored by Latchingdon Parish Council and the Latchingdon Parochial Church Council.

A spokesman for the event said: “It’s going to be a wonderful Christmas in Latchingdon this year, with Santa visiting, events to decorate and light the Christmas tree, dedication baubles, carols, services and more.”

To volunteer as an elf to follow Santa's sleigh, call Lynn Robinson on 07592 405988.