manchester

christmas

O holy night voted favourite carol again

O Holy Night has come top of a poll of the nation's favourite Christmas carols.

The carol, which was composed more than 150 years ago, beat Silent Night into second place.

In The Bleak Midwinter came third in the survey of more than 88,000 Classic FM listeners.

O Holy Night has been voted top carol for the third year running.

It has become a popular favourite - sung by runner-up Andy Abraham in the live X Factor final, and by operatic group Il Divo.

It was penned in 1847 by Placide Clappeau, a wine merchant and mayor of Roquemaure, France, while Adolphe-Charles Adam, a composer best known for his ballet Giselle, wrote the music.

The hymn was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight in the late 19th century.

Classic FM station manager Darren Henley said: "O Holy Night has captured the public's imagination like no other Christmas carol."

Listeners voted for their favourite festive tune on the station's website at www.classicfm.com.

The top 30 will be counted down by presenter Jane Jones at noon on Christmas Day.

The nation's top 10 favourite carols:

1. O Holy Night

2. Silent Night

3. In The Bleak Midwinter (Holst)

4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

5. O Come, All Ye Faithful

6. O Little Town Of Bethlehem

7. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

8. Once In Royal David's City

9. In The Bleak Midwinter (Darke)

10. Shepherds' Farewell (Berlioz)