Today: THE Mayor of Chilton, Councillor Brian Turner and his wife, Audrey, will host a civic carol service at St Aidan's Church, Chilton, at 7pm, followed by refreshments in the churchhall.

Friday

Fishburn Band lead carol singing around the Christmas tree, on Sedgefield village green, from 6pm.

Christmas Eve

St Michael's Church, Bishop Middleham, Holy Communion at 10am and Midnight Mass at 11.30pm.

St Aidan's Church, Chilton, has a Christingle service at 4.40pm, followed by Midnight Communion at 11.30pm.

St James' Church, Coundon, sung Mass at 9.15am and blessing of the crib with carols at 6pm.

St John's Church, Kirk Merrington, service of lessons and carols with Holy Communion, at 7pm

Newton Aycliffe Christian Life Centre, Village Close, 6pm to 7pm. Doors open at 5.30pm, complimentary Christmas cake and drinks served.

Sunnybrow Methodist Chapel, near Willington, carol service, 2.30pm, led by Rev Ann Shepherdson.

St Edmund's Church, Sedgefield, Holy Communion at 8am and 10am, Midnight Mass at 11.30pm.

St Paul's Church, Spennymoor, Christingle and children's Nativity service at 6pm.

Whitworth Parish Church, Spennymoor, first Eucharist of Christmas, 11.30pm.