CHRISTMAS is a time to be thankful for what we have, while thinking about others less fortunate - that was the message at the annual Worcester News Christmas Carol Service.

More than 1,000 people packed Worcester Cathedral last night to rejoice in the excitement of Christmas.

Civic dignitaries and members of the public packed the aisles to hear Professor Michael Clarke, vice-principal of the University of Birmingham, deliver a stirring reminder of what this time of year is all about.

He said: "There is only a few days left until Christmas - if you are like me, there are still presents to buy and cards to send out, let alone think about finishing work.

"So let us make this a time to relax and forget about the pressure of work for a moment. Let us reflect on the people in this city, county, country and beyond who have little joy or happiness this Christmas - people who are ill, people on the edges of society, and in particular people in Iraq and Afghanistan caught up in violence.

"There are others in very different circumstances than we may be this time of year - let's remember that."

Prof Clarke also paid tribute to the Worcester News by saying "let's celebrate what the printed media do for society".

The service is one of the highlights of the Worcester Cathedral Arts programme and has steadily grown in popularity over the years - there was barely a spare seat to be found last night. A choir was on hand to deliver a stunning range of songs, including Sir Christmas by William Mathias, The Holly And The Ivy by H Walford Davies and I Sing Of A Maiden by Adrian Lucas.

Robert Smith, regional finance director of Newsquest Midlands South - part of the group which owns the Worcester News - was also on hand to read Christmas Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, as was city Mayor Ian Imray who read out Luke 1.26-38. Worcester News editor Stewart Gilbert read Christmas by John Betjeman.

Canon David Stanton led the prayers before a collection for the Worcester Appeal for Music and Light.