1 Vacuum cleaners have been turned into the Magi in a shop window in Rothbury, Northumberland, owned by Stuart Wiggins. The Rector of Upper Coquetdale, the Revd Michael Boag, invited shopkeepers in the parish to display nativity scenes as part of its Christmas Festival last weekend. Although the temporary skating rink was washed away by the floods, the exhibition was a success, Mr Boag said. Newcastle

2 Children have been taking part in a Christingle service in Southwell Minster. The candlelit service raised money for the Children’s Society’s work with vulnerable children. The cathedral holds its carol service on Wednesday 23 December at 7 p.m. Southwell

3 Gloucester Cathedral Choir prepares for a marathon carol-singing session, Carols on the Hour — bite-sized bursts of festive praise sung on the hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The event was held during the Christmas Market in the Cloisters, last Saturday. Gloucester

4 A unique carriage for people with disabilities drew a merry band of followers as it brought the patron saint of St Nicholas-at-Wade, Thanet, in Kent, up the medieval nave in celebration of his feast on Sunday 6 December. The vehicle — a BOMA7 — was invented by Christopher Swift, whose family live in the village. Canterbury

5 Durham Cathedral Choir gathers for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and the blessing of the crib, on Sunday. Eight-year-old Riley Wilmshurst, from Langley Moor, became the fourth-generation member of his family to switch on the lights at the cathedral. Durham

6 Pupils from 78 church schools in Manchester are taking home knitted nativity figures to learn more about the Christmas story this Advent. The Church Army has teamed up with Mothers’ Union in the city for the second year to make the Posada available to more than 1100 pupils every night of the week before Christmas. Manchester

7 The organist and musical director at St Peter’s, Henleaze, Reg Parker — seen here in a photo from the 1950s — is retiring after 65 years in the position. Mr Parker, who is 86, was 22 when he started, and has taught hundreds of choristers and organ pupils since. His last service will be the Nine Lessons and Carols on 20 December. Bristol