A PACKED Worcester Cathedral was filled with the real spirit of Christmas for the Evening News annual carol concert.

More than 1,000 people, many of them Worcester's best-known dignitaries, enjoyed an evening of uplifting music to get them into the festive season.

"It was a fantastic evening," said Sarah Taylor, Evening News promotions executive.

"The atmosphere was wonderful and there must have been a record attendance of around 1,500 people."

Traditional Christmas classics including Once in Royal David's City, The First Noel, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing were just some of the carols sung, with the congregation finishing with the uplifting Oh Come All Ye Faithful.

Readers were Councillor Mary Drinkwater, Mayor of Worcester, as well as the Evening News' managing director Mike Pagett.

During the service there was a collection for Worcester Cathedral Development and Restoration Trust, which will help towards the Cathedral's upkeep.

"The choir was breathtaking," added Ms Taylor. "The whole event gave a great feeling of Christmas."