A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl took centre stage to perform a symbolic gesture that marked the start of the busy Christmas week at a North-East cathedral.

In one of the shortest, but most popular services on Durham Cathedral's calendar, the lighting of the Christmas tree was carried out by Helen Baker.

The daughter of cathedral education officer Elizabeth Baker and her husband, the Reverend Paul Baker, the vicar of Pennywell, in Sunderland, Helen lit a candle that switched on 1,000 candles on the tree.

The lighting of the tree was the centrepiece of the service, which also included the blessing of the crib by the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove.

Figures in the crib were carved by retired pitman Michael Doyle in the mid-1970s.

They are intended to represent local life, and one of the shepherds is a miner and the usual donkey is replaced by a pit pony.

This week, thousands of worshippers will visit the cathedral, starting with the two Festivals of Nine Lessons and Carols, at 7pm this evening, and at 3pm on Christmas Eve.

Entry, via the Galilee Chapel door, will begin 90 minutes before the service.

A new feature this year is a eucharist that starts at 11pm on Christmas Eve, which is expected to reach a conclusion with Holy communion at midnight.

Entry is by the Great North Door, in Palace Green.

Christmas Day marks the last day of term for boys in the cathedral choir, who all study at Durham Choristers School.

Between yesterday and Christmas Day, they are singing in nine services, with their holiday only beginning after evensong on Thursday afternoon.