DETAILS of an eagerly awaited Christmas Eve service at a popular church are to be kept under wraps until the big night.

Final preparations are being made for the annual festive carol services at All Saints Church in Woodford Wells - which attracted more than 1,500 people last year.

Part of the set from Hollywood movie Polar Express was used during the 2008 carol services - but Rev Paul Harcourt hinted that this year's version would be just as good.

He said: "This year the church has responded to demand by increasing the Christmas Eve carol services to four - at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm.

"Each service will be identical and will celebrate the Christmas message in an entertaining manner with traditional carols as well as drama and specially recorded video segments.

"There's nothing like coming to join a large community to celebrate Christmas.

"We know that for many people these services are a highlight.

"So we want to make sure that we can put on something with humour and generosity.

"Each is different very year – this year's presentation is a closely guarded secret, but we are dropping hints about live animals."

The traditional Christmas Eve Midnight Communion service at the church, in Inman's Row, will be held at 11pm to begin at 11.30pm.

On Christmas Day there will be an 8am Holy Communion and a Family Communion at 10am.