DOCKENFIELD was full of festive spirit on December 10, when around 60 locals gathered to sing Christmas carols.

The village – where there are only around 200 houses and two public buildings, The Bluebell pub and The Church of the Good Shepherd – has held three festive events for more than 25 years, which have now become a tradition.

The first event was held on December 9 and saw residents put up the village Christmas tree.

Opposite the Christmas tree, the bus shelter was decorated as a crib and people gathered to sing Christmas carols the following evening.

Around 60 residents gathered to sing ten Christmas carols; The First Noel, Good King Wenceslas, Away in a Manger, Once in Royal David’s City, O Come All Ye Faithful, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, While Shepherds watched their Flocks by Night, Ding Dong Merrily on High, The Holly and the Ivy and O Little Town of Bethlehem.

Led by Reverend Walker, vicar of Frensham and Dockenfield, everybody was in excellent voice, including the young children who sang the first verse of Away in a Manger on their own.

Inside the crib was an informal orchestra, again made up of local residents.

This year the four musicians were Karen Wane, Penny Heath, Louis Dean and Alex Adolph.

It has also become a tradition the evening ends with mulled wine and a non-alcoholic version for children, as well as hot mince pies which are prepared for everyone by Catherine and Graham Kneller and family, who live close by.

Finally, a family Christmas party was held at The Church of the Good Shepherd on December 15.