ALL the major Christmas services at Christchurch Priory are ticketed this year because of the pandemic, the vicar has said.

These include the carol services on Sunday 19 and Tuesday December 21 at 6.30pm, Christmas Eve crib services at 11am and 3pm, Midnight Mass, at 11.15pm on Christmas Eve and the Christmas Day Sung Eucharist at 10am.

The Reverend Charles Stewart explained: "We have been giving considerable thought and attention to how best to hold our Christmas services this year, in light of the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Because these services are an important part of Christmas for so many, we have been working out how best to make them accessible, while also doing all we can to help those attending be, and feel, safe.

"Everyone who wants to come to one of the Priory's Christmas services will have to book a ticket.

"Sadly, we cannot guarantee admission to anyone who turns up on the day without one."

He added: "Whatever you and your loved ones may have faced in 2021, I pray that we may all receive God’s blessings of love, joy, peace and hope this Christmas."

To apply for tickets, book online via the parish website, christchurchpriory.org or call 07951 311651, between 10am and 1pm.

The Carol Service at St George's Church, Jumpers, will be on Sunday 19th at 3pm and the Christmas Day service will be at 9.30am.

No tickets are required.