A CHURCH community is busy rehearsing a classic Christmas tale which will be performed on Friday December 4 and Saturday December 5 at 7.30pm.

The Radipole United Reformed Church will perform A Christmas Carol with the original Dickens readings.

These readings were his own shortened version of the story which he toured with and raised money for hospitals and children’s charities.

Money will be raised for the Joseph Weld hospice and Julia's House children’s hospice.

There will be five readers and each section will be followed by a traditional carol with brass accompaniment, in Victorian costume.

The church will be decorated for Christmas and mulled wine (or tea/coffee) and mince pies will be served.

Tickets cost £5 and can be bought from Janet Lovell by calling 01305 787870 or emailing jntlovell@gmail.com