CHRISTMAS celebrations in Haworth next month will be attended by a senior member of the clergy.

The Area Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend Toby Howarth, will take part in the annual Nativity Walk up Haworth Main Street on December 20.

He will also preach at Haworth Parish Church’s Community Carol Service on the same day.

The Nativity Walk is a re-enactment of the Christmas story using Haworth Main Street as a representation of Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus.

It is arranged by Haworth and District’s Churches Together, an organisation representing all the churches in the parish.

Haworth’s Community Carol Service was introduced by the current Rector of Haworth, the Rev Peter Mayo-Smith five years ago.

It is held a week after the Candlelit Carol Service that follows the torch light procession up Main Street.

This year, Father Michael Walsh from Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church will lead the prayers and different members of the community will read the lessons.

Rev Mayo-Smith said: “We’re delighted that Bishop Toby is able to join us for both events, and his presence will make them extra-special this year.

“The Nativity Walk has become a very popular event in Haworth, and helps illustrate the reality of the Christmas story perfectly. I’m sure Bishop Toby will enjoy himself just as much as we do every year.

“We introduced the Community Carol Service because so many of the Main Street traders were unable to make the traditional Candlelit Service.

"They were often still closing up their businesses after a busy day when the service started, so we wanted to hold a service that welcomed all the local people and at a time when everybody could join us."