NEARLY 900 people, many carrying flaming torches, joined the annual procession into Tintern Abbey for an evening of carols.

The Rotary Club of Chepstow-organised event raised almost £5,000 for charities it supports.

The singing was led by the choirs of Wyedean School Sedbury, and St John’s-on-the-Hill in Tutshill.

The blessing was given by Rev Tony Jones of Lydney.

Club president, Commander Christopher Wilson, said the event goes from strength-to-strength and this year saw a record attendance.

He said: “The torchlight carol service is a very special local event that launches the Chepstow area’s Christmas season.

“From five o’clock, families gathered in front of the Anchor Inn, with their flaming torches held on high to light their way, while the smaller members carried their glowing light-sticks.  

“Then, at six o’clock they walked slowly in column around the outside of the abbey while the wonderful singing of the combined choirs of Wyedean and St John’s-on-the-Hill radiated from within and added to the ambience on a crisp evening. 

“It is always most satisfying to see the faces of the young, and the not so young, reflected in the flames of the torches as the two columns enter- ed the rear of this beautiful and historic building.   

“Tintern Abbey is certainly an atmospheric location by day, but by night, in floodlight, with hundreds of flaming torches burning brightly and with the sound of carols sung by the choir, it became a positive- ly magical place.   

“Once all were wi-thin the abbey, the congregation sang together the most popular carols led by the choir. The carols were interspersed with seasonal Bible readings while the prayers were led by Rev Jones.”

He thanked the Wyedean and St John’s choirs, St John’s Ambulance, historic monuments body CADW, Lydney Music and the Monmouth Rotary Club for their support on the night. 

And Mr Wilson ad- ded: “This year the event raised almost £5,000 for Rotary charities.   

“The club also runs programmes for global polio eradication, and many youth competitions in our local schools such as Young Chef, Young Citizen, Young Writer, Young Musician, Young Photographer, Youth Speaks, and we sponsor a life education bus to encourage young learning.  

“Many charitable donations are made to local organisations and individuals who seek our support.”