A DATE has been announced for the first of this year’s carol services in Poulton.

Greenalls Brass Band will lead the show on Wednesday outside of the Dog and Partridge Pub. It starts at 7.30pm.

Clr Ian Johnson, chairman of Poulton with Fearnhead Parish Council, said: “There was a fantastic turn out with everybody enjoying getting into the Christmas spirit last year and the parish council warmly invites you, family, friends to come along on.”

The parish council has attracted criticism for opting to hold carol services instead of putting up a Christmas tree on Manchester Road.

It says the carol services are more cost effective and enjoyed by the community.