Pupils from age 3-13 made their own traditional Christingles with oranges, sweets, red ribbons and candles. They joined a service of songs and prayer held in front of the school – and enjoyed lighting each other’s candles and trying to keep them going in the breeze.

Year 8 children gave readings and explained how sharing the light of the Christingle candles reflects Christians’ belief that Jesus introduced a light into the world that could always be shared.

Rev Claire Stubbs, who is a part-time rector as well as a teacher at the school, led the service. Donations were made to the Children’s Society, which works to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Headmaster Huw Thomas said: “Christingle is always exciting for children as a community event which celebrates the beginning of Advent. They love being creative in making their Christingles and I enjoy seeing them spread the festive joy in such a tangible way. It was great that so many families came to support the service.”

Christingles originated in 18^th Century Germany. The orange represents the world, the four cocktail sticks represent the four seasons, and the sweets at the end of them represent the fruits of the earth. The red ribbon symbolises Jesus’s love and the blood he shed, and the candle symbolises his light in the world.