THE start of Advent was marked with a symbolic candle lighting service at St George's Church on Sunday.

One of the young members of the congregation lit the candle, which was held in an Advent wreath handcrafted by a fellow parishioner.

Advent, the period of preparation for Christmas, started on Sunday.

Churchgoers also sang a new Advent carol especially written for its namesake saint.

The St George's Road church is also busy preparing for its first Christmas tree festival which runs from this Friday until Sunday. Visitors can enjoy the colourful display of decorated trees with prizes being handed out to the wackiest.

Redditch mayor Councillor Diane Thomas will officially open the festival on Friday and there will also be a chance to meet Father Christmas. And on Saturday, December 10, they will be hosting a Christmas concert with a performance from the musical pupils of the church's resident organist.

The concert starts at 7pm and all proceeds will be split between church funds and the charity Farm Africa. Parishioners recently donated £55 to Farm Africa to help two families buy a goat and some chickens.