A landmark church swamped by floodwater during Storm Desmond is poised to welcome back its parishioners.

St Aidan's Church in Warwick Road was in one of the worst-hit areas as the latest natural disaster to hit Carlisle struck in December.

But will soon open its doors to worshipers - welcoming them 12 months to the day since it was flooded.

Church leaders' have organised a Carol Service for the evening of December 5, which will be attended not only by parishioners, but by the Bishop of Carlisle, James Newcome, and civic leaders.

The church had hoped parishioners would have been back in their own place of worship before now - but a hold-up in the delivery of new furniture has delayed their return.

Reverend Keith Teasdale, the church's vicar and city centre chaplain, said the Carol Service will still go-ahead, even if the new chairs ordered to replace lost church pews are still in transit.

"Our contingency plan is to borrow chairs from St Cuthbert's Church, and local schools," said Mr Teasdale.

"We had hoped to rescue our pews, but they all cracked during drying-out and had to be condemned.

"But we have some oak-framed chairs that are padded and have a little place for books," he added.

"We can now seat 250 in the church, more than we had previously with the pews."

During the church's downtime parishioners have been made welcome at St Cuthbert's Church in the city centre, where Rev Teasdale is also the vicar.

"The parishioners are looking forward to getting back in but those at St Cuthbert's Church have been giving everyone a warm welcome," he added.

"The two churches have been working very well together, so in the future all social events will be held jointly because we have got on so well."

There is hoped to be a formal opening of the church next January.

"St Cuthbert will cancel their services on that Sunday, and will join us at St. Aidan's," added Mr Teasdale.

He added he and his family had moved back into the vicarage a month ago, after his home was also wrecked during the floods.

The Carol Service will begin at 7pm and there will be Bible readings, carols, prayers, and Bishop James will give an address.