A COUNTYWIDE carol service is set to be broadcast from Blackburn again today.

Lancashire Sings Christmas is returning from noon, live from BBC Radio Lancashire's studios on Darwen Street.

And there are a number of sing-a-longs planned at venues across Lancashire as part of an unofficial red rose kick-off to the festive season.

Blackburn People's Choir will be among the performers as part of their busy yuletide programme.

A Blackburn Diocese spokesman said: "The focus this year is on carers at Christmas across the range of care in the community; - in hospitals and hospices, care homes and those who are carers at home.

"The programme will also highlight aspects of social care typified by the Salvation Army and the role of local policing and other services.

"Holding the programme at midday will open new opportunities for those churches and groups who already hold luncheon clubs, warm hubs and spaces over lunchtime."

Church leaders have been encouraging their social groups to get involved in the celebration by plugging their radio into a PA system and singing along.

The diocesan spokesman added: "There will still be all the much-loved elements of this programme, with carols; celebrating the birth of Jesus as well as many heartwarming stories of caring at Christmas.

"The carols all link in with the Bethlehem Carol Sheet for those who support the charity 'Embrace the Middle East'.

Rev Anton Muller, county ecumenical officer at Churches Together in Lancashire, has been working with the BBC to co-ordinate 'Carers Sing Christmas' services locally.

Last year the theme was 'There Is Room At The Inn', to mark efforts to create 'warm spaces' for the community.