Christmas cheer is needed more than ever this year so we've created the very best carol service 2020 has to offer (we think). Whilst we can't enjoy it together in person, we can bring a very magical, star-studded service to you virtually. In doing so, we'd love you to help us support some incredible charities, changing the lives of vulnerable children and the homeless in and around the London area.

This is our 43rd carol service and you can enjoy it for free via YouTube on 16th December. We'll bring you readings from a whole host of celebrities - from Olivia Coleman and Dame Judi Dench to Dawn French and David Tennant. They'll be accompanied by the incredible Band & Fanfare Trumpeters of the Scots Guards and The Choir of St Pauls Cathedral.

All we ask is that you give whatever you can to support some hugely worthwhile causes, at a time when they need it the most.

Here's a little taster:

All the money donated will go directly to our charities - this is who you're directly supporting:

Ambitious about Autism: TreeHouse School in North London was founded by a group of parents 22 years ago who were responding to an unmet need for the provision of specialist educational services for their autistic children. Today the charity is known as Ambitious about Autism, the national charity for children and young people with autism, and their mission to make the ordinary possible. Services include pioneering specialist schools, including TreeHouse School, Ambitious College (a multi-campus college based across London), an award-winning employability programme developed by the youth network, and support for parents at the start of their journey. The Story of Christmas is helping to fund the transformation of the outside learning space at Treehouse School.

Cherry Trees: A 'home from home' for children and young people with severe learning, physical and sensory disabilities, and their parents. They are a lifeline for more than 100 families and the Story of Christmas is funding the installation of a new interactive sensory activity play area.

999 Club: A community-based homelessness charity in Deptford Broadway. It provides direct services to around 1,000 homeless and vulnerably-housed people each year. We're funding a refurbishment, which will provide new washing and shower facilities.

Momentum Children's Charity: Supports families across South West, London, Surrey and West Sussex where children are facing cancer or a life-challenging condition. The Story of Christmas is supporting its Children First project refurbishing treatment rooms in four of the charity's partner hospitals to provide a more positive hospital experience for around 2,700 seriously sick children.

Beyond Autism: It started 20 years ago as the Rainbow School - a run down hut for three pupils. It now delivers education to pupils across 16 London Local Authorities from Early Years to Post-19; trains parents and carers; and has a research and learning hub. Its aim is that everyone with autism can access an education which empowers a life of full choice. The money raised will deliver life-changing outcomes for those with autism.

Harington: Provides tailored training for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, helping them to enter the world of work. Harington's trainee gardeners gain important skills by delivering gardening services in North London. The Story of Christmas is funding a crew van that meets new emissions criteria and will support one team of budding gardeners for the next ten years.

Look Ahead: Gives care, support and housing to thousands of people across the South East. We're working with LandAid and SEGRO to extend and renovate a home for four young vulnerable people in West London, and create new office space for Look Ahead workers providing vital support to young residents.

West London Mission: Provides supported accommodation for formerly homeless ex-military personnel. The flats are a base for residents to rebuild their lives, take up new training opportunities, find work and integrate back into civilian life. We are funding the refurbishment of the kitchens in each flat, and the main shared kitchen where residents learn crucial life skills.

Young Westminster Foundation: Runs Fourth Feathers Youth and Community Centre in the North East of the Borough - one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the UK. It provides a safe space for around 500 children and young people aged 8-25. The Story of Christmas is funding a significant and much-needed renovation to the building.