DECEMBER 16 was when Pudleston locals came together for Christmas festivities, with mince pies and mulled wine in the church, and a carol service with the Christmas story followed by an evening of live music from local folk band Bandangle, in the village hall.

Refreshments were provided, and donations went to the upkeep of the village hall.

It also marked the retirement of their much loved vicar the Rev Celia Rees who has served the village of Pudleston for nearly 25 years.

Robin Wilson, the church warden, thanked her on behalf of village and wished her a happy and peaceful retirement.

The windows in the church had been decorated for the occasion as the 12 Days of Christmas.

Pudleston Rainbows led by Rachel Bailey and Jo St Clair did a display entitled Nine Ladies Dancing with a Strictly Come Dancing theme.

The oldest resident of the village, Elsie Rogers, also contributed with a beautiful arrangement entitled Twelve Drummers Drumming.

Another display by Jane Turvey showed the people of Pudleston have a sense of humour with her arrangement of four 'Collie' birds.

There was even confetti snow falling in one of the carols, In the Bleak Mid-winter, from a snow machine built by Rob Hubbard.

The displays will be in St Peter's, Pudleston until January 6.