A ROYAL invitation has been issued to West Somerset’s fund-raising teenage violinist Anthony Knight.

Anthony, who lives in Minehead, has made headlines throughout the year by performing across West Somerset and major European cities to raise funds for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Now, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has invited the 17-year-old to a carol service in Westminster Abbey on Friday (December 8).

Anthony, who has set a target to raise £20,000 for UNICEF, said: “It is a huge honour to be invited to such a prestigious event,”

His father, Paul Knight, said: “I am very proud to think that Anthony’s UNICEF Grand Tour has had a Royal seal of approval.”

The carol service will recognise all those who work to support babies, young children, and families in communities across the UK.

Spearheaded by the Princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service will highlight the importance of building supportive, nurturing environments for children and the adults in their lives.

Among the inspiring individuals invited to the abbey in recognition of the work they do to help the youngest members of society to flourish will be midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, nursery teachers, and community volunteers.

The service will combine traditional and modern elements, and will see the world-renowned Abbey Choir perform some of the nation’s best-loved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Beverley Knight, Adam Lambert, Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings, and James Bay.

It will be filmed for broadcast and will air in the UK as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.