RESIDENTS are being invited to sing a carol on their doorstep this Christmas Eve to help spread cheer during the festive season.

Churches Together in Caversham, 13 churches of various denominations, have come up with an idea to help people celebrate Christmas despite the pandemic.

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A Christmas card is being sent to every house in Caversham (16,000 addresses in the RG4 postcode area).

Rev Andy Storch, curate at St John the Baptist Church and one of the planning team, said: “Firstly, the card will wish people a Happy Christmas: comfort and joy at a time when both are sorely needed. "Secondly, the card will tell the Christmas story in the words of the timeless carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, printed inside.

"Thirdly, it invites us to return to our doorsteps (as we did for the NHS clap) at 6.00pm on Thursday, Christmas Eve, to sing that carol together."

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If people wish to stay indoors or want accompaniment, a professional-level rendition of the carol will premiere at 6pm on the Caversham Churches' YouTube channel.

The YouTube channel will be available via a QR code on the card as well as the Churches Together in Caversham website www.cavershamchurch.org.uk, which also provides links to the websites of all 13 Caversham Churches involved that detail how else local churches are celebrating Christmas.