As churches prepare to open for public worship after England's lockdown ends on 2nd December, they've been given more clarity on how they can celebrate the Christmas season. 

Christian MP Andrew Selous, who represents the Church of England in parliament, told MPs on Thursday that nativity plays and carolling outdoors will be allowed after lockdown. 

"While indoor singing is limited to performance only, we can all take part in  outdoor door-to-door singing, staying two meters apart or away from the threshold, and the nativity plays for under 18s are permitted in accordance with the performing arts guidance."

He said that churches and cathedrals can now approach Advent and Christmas with certainty and many have already planned how they will operate their services. 

"Clergy have already demonstrated that they've made their buildings Covid secure, and many cathedrals and churches are planning to have multiple services to accommodate more people as less are allowed at each service."

The announcement comes after a group called Out to Perform wrote an open letter to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden earlier this week calling for the government to allow safe carolling in all three tiers after lockdown ends. The group said door-to-door carolling usually raises £10 million for charities around Christmas.