A FESTIVE carol concert - with a special guest - is taking place tomorrow (Thursday, December 16).

Masterchef judge, William Sitwell, will be reading a piece about festive food at Carols by Candlelight at St Mary Magdalene in Taunton.

William has recently moved to the area with his young family, and is also hosting a range of supper clubs in West Somerset.

There will also be a reading of the nativity story as well as carols alongside singing from the Collegium Singers.

Guests can also enjoy an organ solo from Miles Quick and a performance from local soprano, Josephine Cresswell.

The carol service is being held to raise money for the NSPCC.

Fay Thomas, the honorary president of the NSPCC Somerset, will also be performing a reading.

"This is a time to come together to celebrate that the NSPCC are still here for vulnerable children whilst acknowledging how difficult the last two years have been," said a spokesperson for the NSPCC.

"And doing this at Christmas, which is traditionally a time for family but not a time when all children feel safe.

"Our 24/7 365 helplines have been there to support children all through the lockdowns but it is only as the lockdowns lift that some are able to find the privacy to call us.

"Please come and support us."

Masks should be worn during the event, and visitors are advised to take a lateral flow test before they attend.

Tickets for the carols cost £10 per adult, and children under 16 are free.

You can buy tickets from Taunton Visitor Centre, by calling Centre 01823 340470.

You can also email NSPCC committee members on moirapreatree@icloud.com, or elizabeth.duncan@sleeblackwell.co.uk.

Tickets will also be available on the door.

There will also be chocolate cake and mulled wine during the evening.

Doors open at 6pm, for a 6.30pm start.

If you need help from the NSPCC, call 0800 1111 for children, or 0808 800 5000 for concerned adults.