THE young singers of Coopersale Hall School raised the rafters at St John’s Church in Epping with their junior carol service yesterday afternoon.

Karen Griffiths, secretary at the school in Steward's Green Road, said: “The nativity story unfolded in words and song. The service was attended by parents and relatives and the delightful singing of the children made the event a very special occasion.

"Reverend Bryony Morrison made a very valuable contribution to the service."

Headmaster Ray Probin added: "The children really enjoyed rehearsing the nativity and then presenting it to parents.

"We also won the tree decorating competition as well, where all local schools enter a tree that they have decorated, so it was nice to add to that with a memorable peformance."