A HISTORIC medieval Church will be holding its annual Christmas Carol Service tonight at as well as offering mince pies, mulled wine and bell ringing. 

The carol service will start at 7.30pm and bell ringing will be heard from 7pm - with two of the six bells being over six hundred years old. 

St Leonards at the Hythe is classed as a redundant church but is open weekly on a Tuesday at 12pm to 2pm as well as being open to the public for events such as carol services. 

Joy Hopkinson said the carol service has been "a seasonal highlight for the communities of The Hythe and New Ton for many years" and added: 

"The organ has been tuned ready for the event and we have a small choir to lead the singing". 

Gazette: Community - Residents sitting in a choir stall inside the 11th century churchCommunity - Residents sitting in a choir stall inside the 11th century church (Image: Joy Hopkinson)

The event is organised by the voluntary group the "Friends of St Leonard at the Hythe" and members of St Stephen's Church and Wimpole Methodist Church have been invited to do readings and to give the Christmas message. 

While mulled wine, mince pies, and "shortbread stars" will be served to help everyone keep warm in this Grade I listed church. 

For more information about the event visit the Friends of St Hythe's Facebook page