AN annual carol concert took place despite the bitter cold yesterday.

More than 100 people flocked to Sunnyhurst Wood to take part in the festive concert.

The Ashleigh Singers performed Christmas carols at the bandstand in the woods.

The service began around 1.45pm and ended an hour later at 2.45pm.

The event's organisers, the Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood appear to have started a trend in Darwen.

The group has inspired other friend park groups in Darwen to hold similar services.

Dennis Gillibrand, of Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood, said: "We were the first group to have a carol concert of all of the friend groups in the area.

"We have regular meetings and friends from other parks come to them.

"Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood has helped set up some of the first concerts for the other parks in Darwen."