FESTIVE celebrations transformed a silent night in Leigh as families and residents gathered to fill the air with Christmas carols.
The annual service at Strand Wharf saw more than 500 people clutching torches and braving the wintry weather to sing popular carols around a sparkling tree.
The service was accompanied by the Belfairs School Wind Band, the Salvation Army band and local musician Paul McDowell.
Leigh also had its very own festive carol, written by entertainer Peter Monk and was led by Major John Carmichael, chaplin to Leigh Town Council, mayor Ann Holland and Southend West MP David Amess.
After introducing one of the carols, Mr Amess was invited to join in singing on the stage but declined, prompting booing banter from the crowd.
Organised by Leigh Town Council, the traditional event has been part of the town’s festivities for seven years, with businesses providing mince pies.
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