CHURCH-GOERS are being urged to take a Covid test before attending a carol service this weekend.

St Mary’s Church, Maldon, is holding a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday at 6pm.

People are asked to take a lateral flow test before attending to ensure they are negative to keep everyone safe.

Director of music Colin Baldy said: “Following the disappointment of Christmas being pretty much cancelled last year, we thought it was important to go ahead this year in order to bring some joy into people’s lives.

"The choir has been rehearsing hard for the service and it will be the first time we’ll have sung a carol service with the new pipe organ.

"I think being able to enjoy listening to and singing favourite carols is important for people’s mental health, which has really suffered over the past two years.”

Church-goers should also wear a mask while inside the church, which has been specially decorated for the event.