The HMS CERES Naval Reserve recently held their annual carol service in Leeds.
On Thursday, December 14, All Souls (Hook Memorial) Church hosted the crew from HMS CERES for the third year in a row.
The service attendees included the Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Yvonne Stocks; the Rt Revd Stephen Race, Bishop of Beverley, who gave the address; and Commander David Noakes.
Chaplains Revd Chris Buckley, Vicar of Belle Isle and Hunslet, and Revd David Pickett, Rector of Guisley; and Revd Lynne Grey, Associate Priest at All Souls, took part in the service.
Revd Lynne said: “Our organist Colin Peterson and soloist Andrew Downs were joined by the Choir of St Michael’s Church Headingly leading a full congregation of affiliated Naval Associations, members of All Souls congregation and the family and friends of the Ship’s company in singing the carols.
"Many at the service said how much they had enjoyed the service from the friendly welcome, the high standard of music and the beauty of the decorated church.
"'It's a lovely start to Christmas' was one comment, and another: 'we felt so welcome' and 'it was really warm and I could hear everything!'
“Here’s to the next year!”