A LEYTONSTONE church is to host a range of festive events in the coming weeks.

St John’s Church, in Leytonstone High Road, will hold a Christingle service on December 13 from 10.30am.

The German custom, dating back to 1747, invites children to receive an orange with a candle in it, representing the Christian belief in Jesus as the light of the world.

Donations will also be taken for the Children’s Society at the service.

On December 20, at 4pm, the church will hold a carol service and on Christmas eve, from 11.30pm, there will a signed midnight mass for the deaf.

The church’s Christmas open day is to take place on December 29, with a self-guided Christmas trail.