A MEMORIAL carol service is taking place in Colchester to help families remember loved ones.

The service takes place in the Colchester Crematorium Chapel next Tuesday at 2pm.

Everyone is welcome to this informal and friendly service led by Reverend Canon Richard Tillbrook, the Vicar of Old Heath.

The festive proceedings will include readings, poems and traditional carols.

Talented musician Stephen Evans will play the organ and representatives from The Colchester People's Choir will sing festive songs.

Following the service visitors will be offered tea and mince pies, kindly provided by the Starlight Tea Room.

Mark Cory, Colchester Council leader, said: “This will be my first time attending the carol service and I’ve been told it’s a warm and uplifting event.

"I look forward to joining many people, their families and friends, to get the festive season off to a perfect cosy and Christmassy start.

"I can’t sing very well, but I’ll give it a go.”

The Crematorium Chapel is within the Garden of Remembrance at Colchester Cemetery in Mersea Road.

Visitors are advised to use the gate entrance close to the mini-roundabout junction with Abbott’s Road and to park in the crematorium car park.