Heartwarming annual Christingle service held for Bedfordshire emergency services families

The festive event was attended by more than 250 people, including service families and children, retired officers and local dignitaries.

Cadets from both services read prayers and readings, and the Archdeacon of Bedford shared the significance of Christingle with the help of children who attended.

A special guest popped by to hand out Christingles, a traditional Christmas symbol, to the children, who all then joined in with a rendition of Away in a Manger led by the Bedford Brass band and Densborough Chorus choir.

During their Christmas messages, both Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson and Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst thanked frontline firefighters and police officers for the important role they all play in keeping the community safe, and their families and friends who support them.

Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson said: “I really enjoy this annual event – seeing so many of our colleagues and their families, including future generations of firefighters and police officers, come together to reflect on the important role we play within our communities while getting into the festive spirit.”

Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst added: "This service is always a highlight of the year for me. It’s a chance to pause, come together with our families and colleagues, and reflect on the incredible work our officers and staff do every day to keep people safe. Standing alongside our fire service partners reminds us that policing is about community, compassion, and teamwork – values that matter even more at this time of year."

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