MORE than 350 people joined the annual torchlight procession to Tintern Abbey for a carol service.

The service is organised by the Chepstow Rotary Club in aid of local, national and international causes.

The singing was led by the combined choirs of Wyedean School in Sedbury and the blessing was given by Rev Andrew Webster of Chepstow Methodist Church who said the Christmas story had a particular resonance at the moment.

He said: “This time of year is a time of celebration but let us not forget there are many who are in great need.

“Jesus was homeless when he was born and became a refugee fleeing persecution so it is a good time to think of others.”

Families assembled at the Anchor Inn where the adults were given flaming torches for the short walk to the abbey where they were welcomed by singing from the choirs.

Christopher Wilson, of Chepstow Rotary Club, said: “This is a small club that does its best to serve the community and it is a special night for us organising the torchlight service.

“It  is satisfying to see the faces of the young, and not-so young, reflected in the flames of the torches as they entered the rear of the Abbey ruins while the youngsters waved their light sticks.

“Tintern Abbey is an atmospheric location by day, but by night, in floodlight with hundreds of flaming torches, it becomes quite magical.

“Within the Abbey we sang the most popular carols led by the Wyedean School choirs while the carols were interspersed with familiar Bible readings and prayers led by Rev Andrew Webster.

“So far this year the Chepstow Club has raised over £1,300 for Rotary charities including global polio eradication, the young chef, citizen, photographer, writer and musician competitions in our local schools, a life education bus and shoe boxes filled by local schoolchildren for the needy in eastern Europe. 

“All profits from the event will go to these Rotary charities.”

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