from Ripon Cathedral

Eleven hundred years ago, King Alfred issued a charter to establish the city of Ripon. To mark this event, he presented a horn which is still sounded each night. It is sounded for the start of this special Christmas programme which is introduced by Cliff Michelmore. He hears about Christmas past in Ripon workhouse and finds the army playing host to today's pensioners. Roger Royle meets young people from the city to discover their Christmas message for the future. Ian Gall visits a Dr Barnardo's home in the former palace of the Bishop of Ripon. The people of Ripon gather in their historic cathedral to tell the Christmas story and sing their carols by candlelight.

Carols: O little town of Bethlehem; Adam lay y bounden; It came upon the midnight clear; The donkey carol; Angels from the realms of glory; Silent night; While shepherds watched; For unto us a Son is born; The zither carol; Torches; Hark the herald angels sing; Myn Lyking; We wish you a merry Christmas; O come all ye faithful.

BBC Manchester
(Ceefax subtitles)