AROUND 350 carollers carried torches to Tintern Abbey for the annual service by firelight tonight.

They assembled for a procession around the abbey walls before gathering to sing hymns including Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful under the stars in the magnificent setting of the Abbey.

Choirs from Wyedean School and Monmouth School led the singing with the crowd joining them on the clear evening.

Nick Ramsay, AM for Monmouth, said: "In my job I attend a fair few carol concerts but this one is certainly the most atmospheric. Well done to everyone involved and Merry Christmas."

Last year the concert raised £1600 for charities such as local hospitals and Mencap and hope to reach the same amount this year.

Marian Lewis, president of the Chepstow and District Rotary Club who organised the event, said: "Tintern Abbey is beautiful on a sunny day but by candlelight it is absolutely stunning.

"Everyone is very excited to be part of it."

Roy Garner, who came to Tintern this evening, said: "It's a fabulous setting. The spirit of community is just wonderful to see."

Joyce Burr, who helped out selling programmes, said: "It's magical to see all the torches and hear the singing."

The Cistercian abbey in Tintern was built between 1131 and 1536.