MORE than 1,600 people gathered as York Minster continued the countdown to Christmas with its annual carol concert.

Last night’s event, held in the Minster Nave, featured York Minster choir singing classic and well- known Christmas carols, and readings from BBC Radio 4 presenter Edward Stourton, and award-winning contemporary poet Wendy Cope.

The audience got in on the act by joining in to help sing some festive classics.

All proceeds from the event, which is one of the most popular carol concerts in Yorkshire, will go towards the York Minster Fund.

All Christmas services and other concerts taking place in York Minster are listed online at yorkminster.org/calendar