LEDBURY will go without its usual Town Carol Service this year, to be replaced with a nativity play with a difference, because performers of all ages will be taking part.

Adults as well as youngsters will be bringing the Christmas story to life in the parish church, with a strong focus on community groups and local talent, in a production called “Mary’s Boy Child”.

The play has been written by local man John Lindeck, of Orchard Rise, who said: “The Nativity Play for all ages is being put on at St Michael’s and All Angels in place of the usual Town Carol Service.

“The traditional service has recently been attended by Town Councillors and a few church members. Cllr Nina Shields, chairperson of the council, is fully supportive of this new project.”

Mr Lindeck said: “The idea behind the event is that we will try to understand what it was like to be one of those involved in the first Christmas and gives a slightly different slant to what we usually hear about what happened in Bethlehem. We think this is a great opportunity for the community, not just the church, to get together at the beginning of the Christmas season and remember what the real meaning of Christmas is.

“The script represents a new way of presenting the Christmas story, and the readers will all be members of the church.”

The play will be directed by Sue Millington-Jones who has previously been involved with many productions at Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society and elsewhere.

In fact, there will be a lot of involvement from community groups, and there will still be plenty of carol singing for those who love to raise the rafters will seasonal music.

Mr Lindeck said: “ Singing will be led by the Ledbury Community Choir and there will be plenty of opportunities for people to join in singing their favourite carols. There will also be a number of choral items.”

In keeping with the season, the evening will conclude with a serving of mulled wine and minced pies.

There will be a retiring collection to be shared equally between the mayoral charities and the church.

The date for the diary is Sunday December 16 at 6.30pm in the evening in church.

A church spokesman said: “There is no better way to

start the Christmas season. We urge people to invite others from the clubs to which they belong.

“We want a real celebration of what Christmas really means.”

In another festive event organised by church-goers, the Young Church group will be entertaining senior citizens at Harling Court and Born Court on Wednesday December 19, from 4.30pm.