Sisters taking part in live BBC TV Christmas Day broadcast from Chester Cathedral

Dec 24 2009 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

Sisters taking part in live BBC TV Christmas Day broadcast from Chester Cathedral

ON CHRISTMAS morning, when many children are snuggled up with festive gifts, two Chester girls will be reading to the nation.

Sisters Rachael and Frances Alcock will read a lesson during the BBC live broadcast of the Christmas Eucharist from Chester Cathedral.

It is believed that this will be the first time a Christmas Day service has been broadcast live from the cathedral.

The service, which starts at 10.15am, will be celebrated by the Dean of Chester, the Very Rev Professor Gordon McPhate, with a sermon by Bishop of Chester the Rt Rev Peter Robert Forster.

Rachael, 14 and Frances, 12, were both baptised at Chester Cathedral and have attended the Sunday school since they were six. Rachael had her confirmation in 2008.

She said: "We have read at the Christmas Day service before but I am a bit nervous because it will be on live television."

Frances added: "We are familiar with the cathedral and all the people there but I'm a little bit worried because of the time restriction." The girls are limited to a strict three-minute slot.

Mum Radmila added: "My husband David and I are very proud of the girls."

The cathedral choir, with youngsters aged between eight and 17, are also busy rehearsing for their live TV spot. Director of music Philip Rushforth said: "The service is part of our normal Christmas worship with the BBC eavesdropping! The choristers are all very excited to be on television."

The choir will also sing two Nine Lessons and Carols services tonight (December 23) at 6pm and tomorrow, Christmas Eve, at 3pm. The crib service is at 5.30pm on December 24 with the First Communion of Christmas at 11.30pm.

The Christmas Day services start at 8am with communion and carols.