SALISBURY Cathedral's hugely popular advent procession, From Darkness To Light, takes place this Saturday and Sunday at 7pm.

The service begins in darkness and silence as the Advent candle is lit at the west end of the cathedral.

Music and readings from the Old and New Testaments follow, and by the end of the service, the cathedral is illuminated by more than 1,000 candles.

Jeremy Davies, precentor canon, said: "In simple terms, we are reminded that, however dark our world or personal lives might be, a light has been lit that will never go out - Jesus is always with us."

Doors open at 6pm, and for the first time, those arriving early will be able to queue undercover, in The Cloisters, where seasonal refreshments will also be available.

No tickets are needed for the Advent procession but there is no admission to the cathedral once all the seats have been filled.

There is no public parking in the Close, but for details on access for the disabled, call 01722 555162.

Children from three primary schools in the Salisbury Diocese will prepare for Christmas in a unique way when they visit the cathedral on Wednesday, December 10.

The Year 3 and 4 pupils will explore the theme of Advent in words, music and craft, all in the beautiful surroundings of a medieval place of worship.

Bridging the gap between the cathedral's much-loved Advent procession - From Darkness to Light - and the school experience of advent celebrations, this special day, A Light To Lighten The World, will focus on how and why Christians prepare for their journey towards Christmas.

The children will be shown around the cathedral, make mini-wreaths, enjoy a music workshop with director of music Simon Lole, and hear an explanation of the various traditions of Advent.

The day culminates in a special Advent celebration of light and sound, as the children process through the nave with banners, candlelight and music, in their very own Advent procession.

The schools taking part will be Alderbury & West Grimstead CE Primary, Whiteparish All Saints CE Primary and Spetisbury Hall and Sloper's CE First School.

Sharon Hallis, head of education at the cathedral, will be leading the day.

She said: "This is something I have been hoping to provide for the schools for some years and it is super that it is finally happening.

Eventually it would be nice to think we could have children in their hundreds, just like the Darkness To Light service."