HUNDREDS of members of the public gathered for carols and prayers attended by Nottinghamshire's emergency services.
The Joint Emergency Services Carol Service took place this evening at Southwell Minster.
Mary Clayton, 64, has been attending for years and this year came to pay her respect to the members of East Midlands Ambulance Service who helped her family.
Mrs Clayton, from Warsop, said: "In the last year the ambulance service helped my mother-in-law when she was taken seriously ill and although we lost her they were really great to her.
"We always come to the minster for the service at Christmas – my daughter is in the Nottinghamshire Police band.
"It's a really, really special event, especially as it's for the emergency services.
"It's such a beautiful place to set it – it's really superb."
Guests during the evening's ceremony included Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Sir John Peace and Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police Chris Eyre.
Richard Inwood, the Acting Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, also attended to make an address to the audience and thanked the emergency services.
He said: "Many people in this county and region have cause to be grateful to all of you.
"I want to add my thanks from all those who benefit from what you offer – it is amazing and truly great.
"It is especially truly amazing and wonderful against the background of what you do as your services face reductions in the amount of funds.
"I want to thank you for your dedication to the task, despite these pressures."
Carols included The First Noel, O Little Town of Bethlehem and O Come, All Ye Faithful.
The Bestwood Male Voice Choir were also among the performers.
David Beardsall, a former member of the Notts Fire and Rescue Service for 43 years, said the event gave him a time to reflect on the year being left behind.
He said: "It's a very important event and service and I love the carols.
"It's been a difficult year with all of the political background and all the changes – we've come through it very well."
"This brings us all together with one another in life."
