CHRISTMAS celebrations at Durham Cathedral got under way last night with a helping hand from one of the younger members of the congregation.

Five-year-old Joshua Bland accompanied the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, down the main aisle in darkness to light the 26ft tree.

He used a single candle to trigger the 1,300 electric lights.

The daughter of Canon David Kennedy, 11-year-old Claire Kennedy, read a lesson and the Dean of Durham blessed the crib.

He said: "The launch of the Christmas celebrations is all about children and young people and their enjoyment of Christmas and entering into the spirit.

"It never fails to move me and I think a lot of people were moved.

"It is always a big thing that families love to come to.

"Joshua did very well with the lighting of the tree and his parents were positively glowing. He carried out his duties with perfection.

"I hope it is something he will remember for the rest of his life.

"Joshua's parents, Jon and Louise Bland, are the house parents for the Chorister School and are responsible for looking after the boarders, so he is familiar with the cathedral and they were very impressed with his performance."

Mrs Bland said: "He was a little bit apprehensive, but he was fine on the night.

"He was quite solemn and took it all very seriously. He has done very well.

"It brought a tear to my eye. He is very much looking forward to Christmas and this made it all the more special."

After the service, children brought gifts to lay below the tree to be distributed to less fortunate youngsters around the region.