Hundreds of schoolchildren joined royalty to help celebrate 50 years of Christingle.

More than 600 children from across Dorset and Wiltshire, including youngsters from St Mark's Church of England Primary School in Swanage, attended a special service at Salisbury Cathedral along with the Duchess of Gloucester.

The service was in aid of the Children's Society, and helped raise money for youngsters who are facing Christmas alone or are unable to cope.

Chief executive of The Children’s Society Matthew Reed also attended the event. He said: “We are thrilled to have welcomed The Duchess of Gloucester to this very special occasion. Her Royal Highness has been involved with The Children’s Society for over 30 years and seen first-hand the work we do. Christingle is our largest fundraising event and each year we raise millions of pounds to help young people living with several serious problems in their lives today. We have already worked with over a million children and we hope that 50th anniversary services like this one will go some way to supporting even more.”

The Christingle service was introduced to the Church of England by The Children's Society in 1968 and the first service was held at Lincoln Cathedral. This year numerous churches, schools and cathedrals will celebrate the landmark anniversary.

Another attendee was Anne Faulconer MBE, a long-term supporter of The Children’s Society, who was responsible for bringing the service to Salisbury Cathedral. Anne was also celebrating her 90th birthday and said: “I have had a fantastic birthday and feel truly blessed to have been able to share it with this special celebration for The Children’s Society. I have been supporting the charity since I was eight years old and am well aware of the first-rate work they do supporting and campaigning for vulnerable children and young people all over England. It was an honour have The Duchess of Gloucester here today and see so many enthusiastic young people taking part in the service at this remarkable place of God."

Over the past 50 years Christingle has continued to grow and this year more than 6,000 services are taking place throughout December, right through till Candlemas on February 2.

The money they raise helps to provide direct support to vulnerable children and young people who may be living in poverty, experiencing mental health issues, living in care or just about to leave the care system or at risk of sexual or criminal exploitation.

For more information visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-you-can-do/fundraising-and-events/christingle/what-christingle