HUNDREDS of people came together to enjoy an outdoor community carols service - and plans are already in place for next year.

Churches across the town’s mission community joined forces with Barrow Raiders rugby club to organise a free carol service event at the Craven Park ground.

The carol service, which took place on Friday evening, attracted more than 200 people to the grounds.

Jack Fawcett, events director at Barrow Raiders, described the atmosphere as 'amazing' and said everyone left with a 'smile on their face'.

He said: "The atmosphere was amazing to see over 200 people come together and sing carols. Seeing so many young people come along with their parents to join in made it even more worthwhile.

"Everyone left with a smile on their faces and said they can’t wait for next year."

Mr Fawcett said the team is already looking towards planning next year's event which he said will be 'bigger' than this year.

"We are now looking at next year already with plans to go even bigger with a gospel choir involved too," he said.

Friday's Christmas carol event featured two halves of carol singing followed by a short Bible Society family video and reading.

Reflecting the mission community approach, the Rev Robin Ham from St Paul’s Barrow acted as MC and Jonny Harrison the Pastor from Spring Mount Church led the music.

A spokesman for Barrow Raiders said it was 'amazing' to bring the community together.

He said: "How amazing was it to bring the community together, singing Christmas Carols and having a laugh

"We can’t wait to see everyone next year. We owe a massive thank you to Tony, Robin and Jonny along with his team. Merry Christmas everyone."

The Rev Tony Ford, who is Priest in Charge of St Mark’s Barrow and has been a chaplain of the Raiders since 2018, said: “This is something I’ve talked with the club about for a while, but Covid meant that the plans had to be put on hold. I’m delighted that we were able to push ahead with things."

Rev Ham added: “Barrow Raiders has huge traction in the community and I know that their Facebook and Twitter posts about the service have been shared hundreds of times. This is something which we as a mission community have been looking to do for a while so it’s wonderful to finally get to this point.”