SINGERS young and old sang their hearts out at a packed carol concert at the Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre at Gillingham. Under the huge glass roof of the centre, the Rev Allan Smith led the Traditional Carol Concert 2001, which featured readings, songs, and prayers.

There was standing room only as more than 200 people gathered to sing festive songs such as O Little Town of Bethlehem, Once in Royal David's City and While Shepherds Watched. The event was sponsored by Kent Messenger Group Newspapers.

In his address, Mr Smith said it took a bit of getting used to worshipping in a shopping centre, "but God was everywhere".

The KM band provided accompaniments to the carols, and struck up before and after the event. KM retail advertising manager Jean Crew lead the first carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Her two solos, Worship the King of Kings, and Bridge of Hope, brought thunderous applause later on.

Let's Pretend playgroup, dressed as Biblical characters, gave a rendition of Away in a Manger, and readings from the Bible came from Parkwood Christian Fellowship, St Matthew's Church in Wigmore, All Saints Church in Hempstead, and New Life Community Church in South Gillingham.