MORE than 100 people got in the Christmas spirit at a carol concert held by Bolton police.

The annual concert held at Bolton Parish Church saw people of all ages attend to kick-start the festivities.

Ch Supt David Hull and Ch Insp Carol Martin, for Bolton division, were among those in attendance along with Mayor of Bolton Cllr Colin Shaw and police officers with their families.

The service included upbeat Christmas music from youngsters aged between six and 11 from Bishop Bridgeman School Choir, performances from Tonge with The Haulgh Community Choir and music from GMP’s police band.

The police band, which is directed by Jonathan Taylor, is made up of officers, retired staff, special constables and police civilians.

Ch Supt Hull said: “I think the evening is a brilliant example of the police and the community coming together. It was lovely to see so many people it’s a great community event. Obviously people put so much effort into the event. I think back to when I was a kid and these kids who performed may not ever have met a police officer before. They get to see a different side to police.”

Ch Insp Carol Martin, said: “It is a tradition that sometimes gets lost but we try to revive it and we really think it starts Christmas, it gets everybody in the spirit. The programme is not heavy which is why we encourage children to attend and where do you get the opportunity to hear a band like GMP’s band.”

Readings were made by Ch Supt Hull, a police officer and a Police Community Support Officer.

The Reverend Canon Matt Thompson, from the Parish Church, and the Reverend Phil Belli, Bolton divisional chaplin, conducted the service.

Cllr Shaw said: “I have been attending the service for 20 years and this year’s was the most full I have ever seen it. I have seen a surge in church activities since I have been mayor which is good and I think it’s important for the police to hold the concert to let people know they are human.”

Cllr John Walsh, who is a church warden at Bolton Parish Church, said: “It was a wonderful evening. It is always a delight that Bolton police use the church for this service and to see the police and the community coming together, not just officers but their families as well. We are delighted with the evening and hope next year will be even bigger.”

Money was raised for Cancer Research and Fort Alice, the force’s chosen charities at the event on Tuesday.

The evening drew to a close with a performance of Winter Wonderland by the police band.