Halstead will light up on Wednesday for the town's annual torchlight procession and carol service.

The traditional Christmas event, which is also the main fundraiser for the Mayor’s charities, the Acorn Children’s Centre and Mencap, will see crowds of people walk through the town with lit torches before a carol service in the public gardens.

Mike Murkin, town clerk for Halstead Town Council, said: “From 6.30pm town council staff will be in the High Street, to distribute torches - we have wax torches that can be lit for the adults and battery powered ones for children.

“At 7pm there’s a welcome by the town mayor, David Hume, which takes place by the Christmas tree and fountain at the top of the High Street and a crib showing the nativity scene.

“A blessing of the crib will be done and then the traditional carol Away in A Manger will be sung, accompanied by the Colchester Salvation Army Marching Band.

“At 7.15pm we will light the torches and follow the army band down to the public gardens for 7.30pm where we have a traditional carol service."

There is no charge for the torches but all donations towards the torches and in collection buckets around the town will go towards the mayor’s charities.