AN EVENING of music, readings and Congregational carol singing took place at St Mary Magdalene Church with special guest, Ben Miller.

This was the fourth NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) Carols by Candlelight event, which was sponsored by County Granite and Marble Ltd, Slee Blackwell Solicitors and Jackson Stops.

The event began with performances by children from Stagecoach. Belinda Stewart-Wilson (actor who plays Polly McKenzie in The Inbetweeners) then performed a reading, written by Dylan Thomas.

Somerset County Gazette:

Sally Jenkins performed an old French carol on her harp, which was followed by singers who sang two sets of seasonal songs and carols.

The highlight of the evening was a reading, performed by Ben Miller, from his new book The Night I met Father Christmas. Ben Miller also signed copies of his book at Brendon Books in Taunton earlier in the day.

Chris Paisley, Divisional President of the NSPCC, finished the evening with a powerful talk about the unanswered calls to ChildLine. The event raised over £2,500.

Moira Smyth, Chair of NSPCC Somerset, said: “I would like to mention Sophie McIntosh, co-organiser of the event, whose vision of a large carol event brought Carols by Candlelight to life four years ago. I am deeply grateful for all her hard work.”

Fay Thomas, President of NSPCC Somerset, said: “We are so grateful for all the support and sponsorship we have received. This allows us to hold such a lovely event each year that raises so much money. Thank you to everyone.”