CHURCHES across Hampshire are inviting communities to help support vulnerable children this Christmas.

The Christingle services in aid of The Children's Society will be held throughout December with all money raised going children who go missing from home, experience hardship abuse or neglect.

Families and communities are invited to join in the traditional Christingle event by lighting a candle, decorating an orange and highlighting the Christmas story. For almost half a century around one million people have been attending each year with over £1million raised for the charity each year.

Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, said: “It’s fantastic that so many Christingle events are happening across Hampshire to help vulnerable children and we’re truly grateful to everyone who attends for their support.

“For many young people experiencing huge challenges in their lives the only promise of Christmas is that the bad things in their lives will feel much worse. Some will feel so unsafe, unloved, and unable to cope that they’ll run away from home. These Christingle events make it possible for us to support these young people to have better lives and make a real difference to the children in need of our help.”

Christingles being held in Hampshire include services at St Peter's Church in Titchfield on December 10 at 4pm; Romsey Abbey, December 10 at 3pm; St Winfrid's Church in Totton on December 24 at 3pm;

The Children’s Society is a national charity which also campaigns for changes to laws affecting children and young people.