The national charity Community Network is organising the event, which will be the first of its kind at the cathedral.

The congregation at the Minster will sing a series of traditional carols led by the choir of All Saint's school.

A telephone conferencing facility will then relay the event to people across the country who would not normally be able to get to church this Christmas.

They will be able to sing along with the choir, take part in the prayers and listen to the readings.

Treasury minister Paul Boateng will also take part in the service and is set to give one of the readings from his office in Whitehall.