Football faithful in harmony at Christmas carol concert

A host of the club's players and management staff attended the two-hour event, including club president Mal Starkey, chief executive Matt Williams, manager Micky Mellon, fitness coach Andy Hodgen, head physio Chris Skitt, kit man Dave Ashlin and players Jayson Leutwiler, Nathaniel Knight-Percival, Abu Ogogo and Dominic Smith.

In addition, academy managers Ian Dawes and Steve Reece, the entire youth team squad and the ladies team, plus their manager Sean Evans, also sang at the popular concert.

Guests were greeted by Shrewsbury Town scholars as they entered the cathedral before club chaplain reverend Phil Cansdale got things underway.

Mr Ogogo provided the first reading of the night with 'A king in a different league' (Matthew 1:18-25).

He was then followed by Shrewsbury Town Ladies player Natalie Turner, who read 'A child is born' (Luke 2:1-7).

Mr Mellon provided the third reading, 'Angels on the wing' (Luke 2:8-14) before Mr Starkey made the final reading of 'Sent off by God' (Luke 2:14-20).

The congregation sang carols including Once in Royal David's City, O Little town of Bethlehem, In the Bleak Midwinter, Come All Ye Faithful, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night and Silent Night.

Musical interludes were provided by the Highley Primary School pupils and the Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir, and the Shropshire Borders Scouts Wind Band played before the concert.

Afterwards, the players stayed on to sign autographs for fans. Mr Mellon was delighted to be part of the annual event again.

"It was a fantastic evening and one we all really enjoy," said the boss. "It's fantastic to get in and among and see all of the fans.

"To celebrate at such a beautiful cathedral is a really special moment at this time of the year for the club."

Shrewsbury Town in the Community manager Jamie Edwards said: "It was a really good turnout and it's good that more people came to support it this time than last year.

"It was great to see teams including the ladies team and the youth team there and everybody who took part on the night, from Highley Primary School to the Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir."

Mr Cansdale said: "There were great readings and it was good to see different players involved.

"It was really good to see a full Abbey and people singing their hearts out."

There was a collection at the end of the service with the money split 50-50 towards the work of TEARFUND and Hope House Children's Hospice.