THERE was plenty of festive spirit around as Christingles were made by children who took part in a special festive service.

Around 70 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from South Ham and Brighton Hill division, gathered at St Peter’s Church, in Pinkerton Road, South Ham, Basingstoke, to learn about the four seasons and the corners of the earth as they wrapped a red ribbon around the middle or an orange – to represent the world and the blood of Christ.

Candles were placed in the top to represent the light of the world, before sweets were stuck in on cocktail sticks to represent the fruits of the earth. The youngsters walked into the church with their decorated fruit before singing carols at the annual service.

Basingstoke and Deane Mayor Councillor Dan Putty and his Mayoress wife Julie, as well as Girl Guiding county commissioner Liz Brown, attended the event. The Reverend Alison Bennett led the service which included prayers, readings and moments of thought.

The Christingles were lit during a special Christingle hymn, during which a collection was made for The Bluebells holiday home for seriously-ill children and their families, in North Waltham, run by Sebastian’s Action Trust.

Lena Ponting, division commissioner, said: “As the lights went out, there was that wow factor where everyone stared at their flickering candles in the darkness. The service is always well-attended and brings people from across the community together.”