OVER 600 people took part in a torchlit procession at one of the Wye Valley’s best-loved landmarks, raising £2,800 for charity.

Chepstow Rotary Club staged the annual torchlight carol service at Tintern Abbey with the Christmas service led by Rev Tony Jones.

Rotary spokesperson, Christopher Wilson, said: “This most popular family event is always well supported and this year saw a 50 per cent increase in the numbers attending, with well over 600 attended the celebration.

“Families started arriving from 5pm with the car parks were filing quickly. Families gathered in The Anchor pub and, after lighting their flaming torches and illuminating their light sticks, people formed a very, very long procession on the road adjacent to the abbey.

“At 6pm the assembly, led by Rotarian David Burr, set off up the road. Once inside the Abbey grounds the column filed down the outside of the south wall on this cool evening to the voices of the Wyedean School Choir.

“The buzz of the crowd became a hushed reverence for the sounds and sights of our beautiful Tintern Abbey.

“As people entered the main Abbey building through the east door, we heard gasps as they saw the illuminated walls.

“Carols were sung with much energy, lessons read with passion and there was a genuine feeling of goodwill towards one another throughout. Rotary President Richard Wickham thanked everyone for coming to the event and made an appeal for donations to Rotary charities that support so many causes in our own community and beyond.”

The event raised over £4,300 and, after all expenses were paid, the club added over £2,800 to its charity fund. For more information about the organisation, visit www.chepstowrotary.org.uk