Mayor hosts 'amazing' carol service in Uckfield

This was her 'home' service - Karen has also been a guest at many other services including East Grinstead, Seaford and Polegate. She said: "I could recite every carol and the Nine Lessons by heart. The real value of these gatherings cannot be overstated. They shine a light on the volunteers and the wider third sector that hold our communities together."

The service was open to all residents in the community and everyone was welcomed to join them afterwards in the Belmont Centre.

Karen said: "Thank you to Father John Wall, Lynne Ireland, Tim Guntrip and Sarah Widdowson for putting it all together for me despite such a busy week with the amazing Holy Cross Christmas Tree Festival.

"A special thank you to Robert Mugeridge and to Tesco for supplying the mulled wine and Julie Oliver at Pots of Love for supplying the mince pies."