AROUND 200 people flocked to Girlguiding South Dorset's first ever divisional carol service.

Eager carol singers braved horrendous weather to pack Easton Methodist Church on Portland for the inaugural event.

And they were treated to a service including popular carols and even a puppet show, courtesy of brownies, guides, rainbows, rangers and young leaders from Weymouth and Portland.

Meanwhile, each of the girls wrote down one of their troubles on a piece of paper, and they were all linked together to create a special paperchain around the church.

Judy Mutter, Girlguiding divisional commissioner, said: "People still came along despite the rainy weather, and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.

"The Reverend Chris Briggs was absolutely fantastic as well so a big thank-you goes to him. He has a wonderful way with children."

A representative from Julia's House, the new children's hospice at Broadstone, was among the crowd at the service.

Half of the £98 raised from a collection at the show is going to the hospice, with the other half going to Easton Methodist Church.