Residents are being invited to a carol service and charity collection at Braintree Community Hospital.

The hour-long carol service will be held around the Christmas tree in the atrium of the Hospital, in Chadwick Drive, on Sunday.

The service of readings, solos and carols will be led by a 50-strong choir conducted by Professor Chris Green and has been organised by the Friends of Braintree Community Hospital.

The Friends are challenging those who attended to donate generously to the retiring collection in aid of Kids Inspire as Barclays Bank has agreed to match funding for every pound contributed.

Father Christmas will arrive towards the end of the service and will join the chairman of Braintree Council, Wendy Scattergood, in making a Prize Draw.

The event, which will begin at 3pm, is free to everyone with free refreshments.

Free parking is also available adjacent to the hospital.