A CANDLELIGHT concert is being held at Ribbesford Church in Kidderminster on Sunday, January 29 (7.30pm start).

The youth choir of Kidderminster Choral Society performs a Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten and other seasonal music at the church near Bewdley.

The choir will be accompanied by pianist Mike Elden and conducted by Geoff Weaver, the Society's musical director.

The carols, which contrast greatly from one to the next, deal with the traditional stories surrounding the birth of Christ and are mostly the work of 15th and 16th century writers.

The carols retain their unique flavour by Britten's retention of much of the old English language in his settings.

Publicity officer Peter Knott said: "This lovely work shows Britten's mastery of choral music. There's a real sense of innocence and bright exuberance with lots of singable melodies."

Tickets cost £6.00 and are available from Bewdley Books (Load Street, Bewdley), St. Anne's Church Centre, Bewdley or from Diane Taylor on 01299 403983.