Children kindled festive flames at Norwich Cathedral to usher in the season of goodwill in traditional style.

The Christingle service on Saturday was preceded by a family craft session in which youngsters could make a Christingle, a symbolic Christian object.

They followed a trail of paper footsteps around the aisles to find different work stations where they could select an orange representing the world, apply red ribbons and fruit, and finally add a candle representing the light of Jesus.

They were also given the chance to make nativity puppets and help decorate a large collage of an angel.

Following the afternoon service, taken by the Rev Simon Ward, the children took part in a candle-lit procession. All donations raised were given to the Children's Society.

Family learning co-ordinator Laura Crossley said: 'The day always has a really Christmassy feel. It always happens in December and it is all to do with advent, so it is a great way to get everybody in the mood for Christmas.

'It is nice for families to come into the cathedral and have fun and do crafts together. The idea is that a lot of people who come to the Christingle service might not come to the cathedral regularly, so its nice for them to come and see inside this wonderful building as well.'

Among those who joined in the service were sisters Ella and Olivia Kerner, aged seven and six respectively, from Ebbisham Drive in Eaton, Norwich. They were brought along by their parents Peter and Rebekah.

Mr Kerner said: 'They come here every year. We go to the annual services, but we're not regular churchgoers. This is just great fun for them – they love being in the cathedral and they love their history.'