SCHOOLS from across Herefordshire and beyond joined to present the Combined Schools Carol Service.

The children, some as young as five, gathered together to celebrate Advent.

Organised by the Hereford Cathedral School's music outreach programme. The service was held at Hereford Cathedral yesterday (Thursday, November 28), 19 choirs representing 15 schools gave a stunning performance.

The Dean of Hereford said: "It was a glimpse of Heaven" as he led the prayers and blessing to conclude the service.

With a huge congregation filling seats, the service ended with a hearty round of "Hark the herald angels sing" and a collection for the Music Outreach Fund, helping children who need financial support to learn a musical instrument at the cathedral.

The following schools and choirs attended the service: Aylestone School, Bishop Hooper CE Primary School, Bishops Castle Primary School, Clehonger CE Primary School, Cradley CE Primary School, Cross Ash Primary School, Garway Primary School, Gorsley Goffs Primary School, Kings Caple Primary Academy, Kingsland CE Primary School, Pembridge CE Primary School, St Paul's CE Primary School, Wellington Primary School, Cantabile, Hereford Cathedral Junior School, Hereford Cathedral School Chamber Choir, Hereford Cathedral School Chapel Choir, Herefordshire Junior Youth Choir and the Saturday Singers.