WORSHIPPERS at a Ribble Valley carol service will hear a reading from one of the first ever books printed in English - which became a best seller in the Middle Ages.

The Voragine Golden Legend is held in the archives of Stonyhurst College and a pupils will read 'the Nativyte of our Lorde Jhesu Criste' at the service in St Peter's Church, Stonyhurst, on December 7.

A monk called Jacobus de Voragine wrote the Golden Legend, in 1260. His intention was to draw together many histories of miracles told of the saints and of the life of Christ, in a lively and readable way.

It became the most popular book in the late Middle Ages after the Bible, and was one of the first to be printed with the introduction of the new technology in the 1470s.

The Stonyhurst book was printed by William Caxton, who was the first English printer.

A traditional service of nine lessons and carols starts at 7.30pm. All are welcome.