DOZENS of children are putting the finishing touches to a special performance of the Nativity planned for Christmas Eve.

Youngsters will act out the story of Jesus's birth for worshippers at St Paul's Church in Woodford Green at its annual nativity service.

The group have been practicing the performance during a holiday club held today (Monday) at the church, in Cross Road.

Chris Springbett, wife of Reverend John Springbett, said the event will also involve the lighting of a display of ceremonial candles called Christingles - which symbolise Christ as the light of the world.

She said: "The candles are embedded in oranges to represent the earth - with a red ribbon tied around them to symbolise the blood of Christ.

"There are also fruits on four sticks which are pushed into the orange to represent the fruits of the earth.

"Everyone is welcome to come along to the nativity service."

The nativity service will begin at 4pm on Christmas Eve, with a later midnight service for adults planned for 11pm.

A Christmas day service will be held a 10am.