PRE-Christmas celebrations in Keighley have been given a Scandinavian twist.

A songs of praise service at the town's Salvation Army Chapel featured a Saint Lucia procession, which was the brainchild of Salvation Army lieutenant Rebecka Cotterill, who is originally from Sweden.

Saint Lucia's Day is most commonly observed in Scandinavian countries, where the girl or woman representing the saint wears a white dress, a red sash symbolising martyrdom, and a crown or wreath of candles on her head.

Mrs Cotterill and one of the children participating in the procession dressed as St Lucia for the service earlier this month (Dec) which was attended by about 120 people, including the Keighley town mayor.

The occasion also included songs, readings and a chance to sample some baked Scandinavian food.

Mrs Cotterill said: "It was a really nice afternoon, I'd thought it would be good to do something a bit different.

"Four children took part in the service, two girls, and also two boys who were dressed as Santa's helpers. The event was very well received and we had a great mix of people attending.