SLIDESHOW: Reporter Series Carol Concert 2014

Mirfield Salvation Army Band and the Minster Singers, accompanied by Minster organist Stephen Parker, lead visitors through O Come All ye Faithful, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and other favourites.

Former Reporter deputy editor Margaret Watson spoke about the good treatment she received as a child in need on Christmas Day at Longcauseway United Reformed Church, which was then known as Ebenezer Church. She said: “I have great admiration for that church because it reached out to the poor.”

Dewsbury Rams chaplain Chris Battye read World War One-themed poems, while former Reporter editor John Wilson read a letter describing the Christmas truce in the trenches and the legendary football match between enemies, At the conclusion on the service the Bishop of Huddersfield, Dr Jonathan Gibbs, was introduced to the congregation.

He was also interviewed by Reporter Series editor Hannah Thaxter about his hopes for his new role. “I want to focus on the things that really matter,” he said. “I think the church is a very important part of the bringing together of communities.”

The collection will split between the Mirfield Salvation Army Band and the Team Parish of Dewsbury.