FOR the mayoress, an upcoming carol service is not just a way to celebrate Christmas - it's a cooking effort on an industrial scale.Sara Smith will have made over 1,000 mince pies and sausage rolls to feed the participants of what should be record-breaking civic event at St Nicholas' Church, Great Yarmouth.

FOR the mayoress, an upcoming carol service is not just a way to celebrate Christmas - it's a cooking effort on an industrial scale.

Sara Smith will have made over 1,000 mince pies and sausage rolls to feed the participants of what should be record-breaking civic event at St Nicholas' Church, Great Yarmouth.

The service is on Monday, December 14, and will be hosted by both the Great Yarmouth mayor Tony Smith and the high sheriff of Norfolk, Robert Carter.

Mrs Smith, who has been a keen cook for 40 years and owns Sara's Tea Rooms on the seafront, said: “I've tried to help as much as possible when it comes to the refreshments since my husband became mayor, as it's nice to give the personal touch.

“But this is a real challenge as we thought maybe there wouldn't be as many people saying yes as there have been. The mince pies are being prepared but will go into the freezer and the sausage rolls are going to be made the day before. That said, it's great to have such a good response.”

Over 2,500 invitations were sent to everyone from local dignitaries to youth groups and there have already been nearly 500 acceptances for the service, which will begin at 6.45pm after a torch-lit parade from the Town Hall.

Included in the service, expected to last an hour and a quarter, will be an address by the new Yarmouth team rector, the Rev Chris Terry, as well as popular carols, and prayers read by the Rev Arthur Bowles and the Rev Neil Batcock among others.

While a collection is made for the mayor's charities, there will be an appearance from The Jolly Rogers, who will be singing sea shanties with the mayor, and performances from Dusmagrik and the Salvation Army band ensemble.

Once the celebrations are over, Mrs Smith's hard work baking will pay off as those attending can treat themselves to food and mulled wine in the south aisle of the church.

Mr Smith said: “Although we have sent out invitations this event is for everyone, and we want to make it as inclusive and enjoyable for the people in the borough as possible.

“Robert Carter asked me at the maritime festival whether he could join in with us in Yarmouth to make sure that he represents all parts of the county. The more we work together the more the likelihood that the borough will succeed in the future, and the more togetherness we show the better chance the area gets.”

The event is being mainly funded by sponsorship, including that of Blackwell Print & Marketing.