TEARS were shed at a Methodist Chapel's final Christmas Carol service.

Dozens packed into the chapel at Laverton, near Ripon, for the service, which has been a tradition at the tiny chapel for generations.

But with just ten regular members of the chapel, and some services attended by as few as four people, the chapel will host its final service on January 20, at 10.45pm.

As well as a small congregation, the chapel needs a lot of money spent on repairs and a new heating system.

The carol service was attended by former chapelgoers from a wide area.

Organist Dorothy Kitching said: "There were one or two tears and it was very sad, but on the other hand, it was lovely to see a large congregation."

Mayor of Ripon John Richmond, who grew up in Laverton, was at the service. He prepared a video about life around Laverton including chats with local people and the farming community.

The service was conducted by the local minister the Reverend Stuart Ellis, and Kirkby Malzeard poet Ronald Robson read one of his works.