CHILDREN from Isle of Wight schools helped mark the 50th anniversary of Christingle at Portsmouth Cathedral.

The special service, which raises money to help vulnerable children, was introduced by The Children's Society in 1968.

This year, more churches, schools and cathedrals than ever celebrated the landmark anniversary.

Chief executive of The Children’s Society, Matthew Reed, said: "We are thrilled to have welcomed so many children to this very special occasion. Christingle is our largest fundraising event and each year we raise millions of pounds to help young people living with several serious problems in their lives today.

"We have already worked with over a million children and we hope that 50th anniversary services like this one will go some way to supporting even more."

More than 100 children, including those from Oakfield CE Primary School and Arreton St George's CE Primary School, attended the service led by Bishop Christopher Foster, Bishop of Portsmouth.

The money raised from Christingle’s helps to provide direct support to vulnerable children and young people who may be living in poverty, experiencing mental health issues, living in care or just about to leave the care system or at risk of sexual or criminal exploitation.