RESIDENTS will be pleased to see the return of a popular carol service in Dovercourt.

The Christmas community carol service with Tendring Brass will take place in Dovercourt High Street.

Schools will open the carol service followed by festive songs that the whole community can take part in.

Christmas refreshment stalls and nearby takeaways will be open and fancy dress costumes are welcome.

The Rev Kirsty Emerson, of St Nicolas Church, said: “Some years ago there used to be a community carol service on the old hospital site which is now flats next to the new site in Dovercourt.

“There was a big tree that people would gather around on the last Friday closest to Christmas to sing carols.

“Harwich Town Council thought it would be wonderful to bring it back, complete with the tree, and asked our churches to help deliver it.”

The service will take place in Dovercourt High Street, which will be closed to traffic.

Harwich Town Council has funded the event, which is being organised by Dovercourt Street Market.

The Rev Emerson will be leading the carols.

The service will take on Friday, December 16, from 6pm to 9pm with carols starting at 6.30pm.