Residents and staff at Shepherds Grove Park, in Suffolk, embraced the spirit of Christmas with a candelit celebration.

On a Monday evening, the week before Christmas Day, members of Norton Salvation Army Band and choristers from Stanton Methodist Chapel and All Saints Church, joined residents at the park to celebrate the festive season.

This event started two years ago, thanks to park manager Sue Buss, who wanted to give something back to the local community.

This year was no exception. Playing and singing traditional carols, the band and choirs were joined by park residents in a well-attended candlelit procession around the park.

Afterwards, everybody enjoyed a buffet and refreshments in a marquee; all of which were kindly provided by the Residents' Association.

Thanks to the generosity of residents and staff of Shepherds Grove, the Salvation Army door-to-door collection raised £212.

Special thanks go to David Atherton (chairman of the Residents' Association) and wife Barbara, David Brown (development manager) and all the others who contributed to the success of the event and helped to kindle a wonderful Christmas spirit.

Sue said: "Everybody agreed that it had been a rather special night and plans are already underfoot for Christmas 2009."