CHILDREN from all over the borough will be gathering to celebrate a very special early Christingle this week.

The youngsters will be coming together at Bolton Parish Church which has been thrilled to have been chosen ahead of the renowned Lichfield Cathedral to host a televised Christingle special.

For the church and the children alike, the chance to celebrate on such a prominent stage after months of lockdown induced restrictions, has proven hugely exciting.

Church warden John Walsh said: "There are children coming from Church of England schools all across the borough who will be involved in filming this event."

Turning to the significance of the festival, he added: "This is very much a Christian symbol of the fruits of the Earth with the orange symbolising the Earth and a ribbon around it."

"It's an important message for the children about Christ and the Christian Church."

The Christingle festivities will be broadcast nationally in December in time for Christmas and will feature around 300 children taking part in a range of traditional activities organised by the Church of England Children's Society.

Being chosen ahead of the famed Staffordshire based Lichfield Cathedral, England's only Medieval Cathedral with three spires which draws visitors from all over the world, is a huge accolade for Bolton Parish Church, with preparations already underway.

The event will see the children light Christingles, which give the festival its name.

These are are oranges wrapped in red tape, decorated with dried fruit or sweets, with a candle on the top.

Christingles are usually held from the end of November through to February, with Christmas Eve being a particularly popular time for services.

Mr Walsh has also assured parents that all necessary Covid precautions will be taken, allowing children to focus on the festivities in peace.

Not only does Christingle give children the opportunity to take part in rewarding Church based activities, but the events can also raise a huge amount of money for worthy causes.

Over the last 50 years, such celebrations have raised millions of pounds to help support services for children in need and their families.