Church carols cancelled after row

The vicar is not allowing councillors pride of place

Council officials have cancelled a Christmas carol service after being refused the best seats in the church.

Councillors and senior officers had expected to be seated according to their status at the annual event.

The Rev James Thomson has denied them reserved seats because he believes everyone is equal in the sight of God.

Fenland District Council has cancelled the event at St Peters and St Pauls Church in Chatteris, Cambs, which was to be held on 12 December.

Pride of place

Councillor Florence Newell said: "It's a big disappointment. I fought hard for Chatteris and I just wanted it to be held here. I feel slighted.

"Some of the Chatteris schools were going to take part, but because we had this confrontation with the vicar it is now cancelled and it is going to be held in March."

The Rev Thomson, who was ordained in February, stood by his decision not to give councillors and officials pride of place.

"Both my wife and I felt this was inappropriate. We are all equal before God - and all equal when it comes to such a simple thing as a carol service."