Why Ely Cathedral’s Octagon Tower was lit up in green ahead of Christmas

The Octagon Tower at Ely Cathedral was lit up in green on the longest night of the year in support of the NSPCC.

It was among buildings and landmarks across the country supporting the children’s charity on December 22 - the winter solstice.

It symbolised how the charity provides help to young people in their darkest hours.

Walkers had also signed up to walk 5k that night, raising funds for the NSPCC’s Childline service, which will have counsellors on hand to answer calls from young people throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day.

Rachel Sullivan, NSPCC community fundraising manager for the East of England and Thames Valley, said: We’re so grateful to all of the organisations lighting up their buildings green for the NSPCC.

“Our Childline service is expecting a child to contact them every 45 seconds this Christmas, and while it’s free for them to contact the service over the phone or internet, every counselling session costs the charity around £4.

“For children facing abuse, the winter nights are dark, long and lonely, and we want all children to know that Childline is here for them, even on the darkest nights. We rely on public donations for around 90 per cent of our funding.”

Visitors to Ely Cathedral on December 22 enjoyed Hark! the Herald - an evening of traditional Christmas carols and seasonal music sung by the cathedral choir with Prime Brass.