THE blessing of a Christmas crib has kick-started the festive season in Cleethorpes.
Pupils of St Joseph's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy in the resort, and members of the public, gathered on Saturday morning to sing carols and take part in the event.
The service was held outside St Peter's Church, in St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes, and the blessing of the crib took place across the road in the window display of Robinsons Interiors.
Organiser Nanette Brown, of St Mary's Close, Grimsby, said: "This is something that has taken place for the past 20 years.
"The crib itself is actually from Bethlehem, so it is very special.
"What this represents is the start of Advent and the lead up to Christmas.
"It is so important to involve the community in this because it reminds people what Christmas is all about.
"I want to thank St Joseph's for all its support."
The blessing and carol service were held as a Churches Together In North East Lincolnshire event, which included 11 different places of worship showing their support.
Songs including Away In A Manger and Hark, The Herald Angels Sing were sung as well as readings from Luke Chapter One verses 26 to 28 and Luke Chapter Two verses eight to 16.
Year-6 teacher at St Joseph's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy Simone Moy said: "A blessing like this is very important because it marks the start of Advent.
"The pupils and teachers have been looking forward to this event.
"It is important for the children to understand what Christmas is all about.
"There is also nothing sweeter than a child's voice singing at Christmas."
Following the small service pupils carried the nativity figures across the road to Robinsons Interiors, which were placed in a crib carved from olive wood.
Head boy Reuben Wilding, 10, said: "I came to help bless the crib, which I have been looking forward to.
"It is very important to celebrate the start of the festive season because it makes us remember the birth of Jesus."
Don't forget to join in on the journey to Bethlehem by travelling across North East Lincolnshire.
The Grimsby Telegraph, in association with Churches Together in North East Lincolnshire, will be hosting displays and activities depicting the journey of the Christmas story.
You can follow the story first hand by visiting all the sites to create your own Christmas journey.
Today, the Compass Damp Proofing van will be in Sidney Street depicting the warm and dry stable.
