A festive season surprise was in store for shoppers in Keighley town centre.

People in Airedale Shopping Centre were entertained by a ‘flash mob carol service’.

Christians turned their regular Christmas carol service into something more inventive.

The Rev Dr Jonathan Pritchard began the occasion by suddenly starting to sing O Come, All Ye Faithful before others joined in.

Singers, who had posed as shoppers, gathered for more carols, and a couple playing Mary and Joseph emerged from a nearby cafe, carrying a baby.

The event was planned by the Rev Derek Walm-sley, vicar of St Mark’s Church in Utley.

He said: “We had involve-ment from many different churches in the town, and we’re grateful to Steve Seymour, manager of the shopping centre, who gave us permission.

“The reaction of the public was amazing, and there was a lovely atmosphere in the centre at a time when many people are quite stressed.”

Mary and Joseph were played by Andy and Jody Webster, with their four-month-old son, Daniel, playing Jesus.

Jody said: “Andy was getting cold feet the night before. It’s not every day you have to dress up and walk through a packed shopping centre carrying Jesus!”