A LITTLE girl took centre stage to perform a symbolic gesture marking the start of the busy Christmas week at Durham Cathedral.

In one of the shortest, but most popular services on the cathedral calendar, the lighting of the giant Christmas tree was carried out by three-year-old Helen Baker.

The daughter of cathedral education officer, Elizabeth, and her husband, Sunderland parish clergyman, the Rev Paul Baker, Helen lit a candle which, in turn, triggered the switch to light the 1,000 candles on the tree. The lighting of the tree was the centrepeice of the service, which also included the blessing of the crib, by the Dean of Durham, the Very Rev Michael Sadgrove.

Figures in the crib were carved by retired pitman Michael Doyle, in the Seventies. They are intended to represent local life as one of the shepherds is a miner and the donkey is replaced by a pit pony.

This week thousands of worshippers visiting the cathedral for special Christmas services were introduced to a new queuing system. Entry, via the Galilee Chapel door, began 90 minutes before the services to ensure the comfort and safety of the congregation.

A new feature planned this year is the Midnight Eucharist, on Christmas Eve, at 11pm with entry only available by the Great North Door, on Palace Green.

Christmas Day marks the last day of term for the hard-worked boys of the cathedral choir, all pupils at the neighbouring Chorister School, with their holiday only beginning after Christmas Day Evensong.