YOUNGSTERS from a York primary school have been carolling for The Press this Christmas.

A 25-strong choir of pupils from St Lawrence's CE Primary School joined The Press readers and York Hospital staff at St Denys' Church, in Walmgate, York, to raise money for our Guardian Angels Appeal.

It is the third year running that we have teamed up with St Denys' Church, near our Walmgate office, to hold the service, which, for the first time, took place during the daytime.

BBC Look North's Harry Gration, the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Irene Waudby, the editor of The Press, Kevin Booth, and staff from York Hospital were among those who read lessons at yesterday's service, which raised £148 for Guardian Angels.

The St Lawrence's children performed two solos - O Little Town Of Bethlehem and Emmanuel - as well as joining the rest of the congregation with six further festive hymns.

Speaking after the concert, eight-year-old Karina Martin said: "We spent a lot of time practising and it was quite hard, but the church was very pretty."

Georgina Whitley, nine, said: "I was really nervous at first and when I started singing but, in the end, I really enjoyed it."

Nathan Green, nine, said: "We have sung in the Minster before a few weeks ago with loads of other schools."

It is the first year a school choir has joined the service and afterwards the children were taken on a tour of The Press.

The Guardian Angels appeal aims to raise £300,000 for a new high-dependency unit at York Hospital children's ward. The money will fund two life-saving rooms with new, specialised equipment.

The new unit will mean far more youngsters can be treated in York, rather than having to travel further afield.

Mr Booth said: "We are now on the home straight with our appeal, with more than £200,000 already raised towards our target. The service was a very moving event, and it was a really enjoyable way to help Guardian Angels reach the £300,000 mark."

The St Denys' congregation will attend the church's own 4pm carol service on Christmas Eve. It will be completely candlelit, and every member of the congregation will hold their own individual candle.