THE smell of sweet oranges and sweets wafted through the air at Saint James’ Church Quedgeley when Candlemas was celebrated on Sunday.

The ever popular monthly family service celebrated Candlemas and children joined in the craft activities by making Christingles with oranges, sweets and glow sticks.

The new puppet Maddie with the help of Jane Rogers told the story of Jesus, as a baby, being presented at the temple.

Prayers and songs followed and the morning rounded off with the usual free buffet lunch.

Fr. John Ward, Rector and Parish Priest said, “This is an opportunity for the youngsters to recognise that Christmas doesn’t finish on December 26, but in the Christian calender continues into early February. Last Sunday the congregation celebrated Candlemas. This week we’ve devoted the morning to the same theme but presented in a different way. The youngsters certainly enjoyed making the Christingles. Maddie our new puppet and Cedric were heavily in demand by the children”