MORE than 400 people, many with flaming torches in hand, gathered in Tintern Abbey for the annual Christmas carol service.

The service is organised by the Chepstow and District Rotary Club and raised over £2,100 for local and international charities supported by Rotary.

Well over 430 people walked from the abbey car park, torches illuminating the 800-year-old ruin.

Chepstow Rotary Club spokesman, Chris Wilson said: “Once inside the abbey grounds, the column of people filed down the outside of the south wall on this misty evening as the voices of the choir rose from within the ancient ruins. 

“The noise of the initial crowd had changed entirely into a hushed reverence for the sounds and the sights of beautiful Tintern Abbey.  Then, as people entered the main abbey building through the east door, we could hear the gasps of the children as they saw those ancient walls illuminated from within and the view of the choir assembled on the dais at the far end.” 

Inside the abbey the audience joined the combined choirs of Wyedean School in Sedbury and there were readings of the Christmas story by members of the Chepstow Rotary Club.

Chris added: “We were delighted with the result and can announce that in 2017 the Rotary Torchlight Carol Service will be held on Saturday, December 2.”

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.