On Christmas Day in 1914, a number of unofficial ceasefires took place along the Western Front in France, with German and British soldiers crossing the trenches to talk and exchange seasonal greetings, food and souvenirs. There were joint burial ceremonies and prisoner swaps, and in some areas even carol singing and football matches.

This year, to mark the centenary of this remarkable truce, Silent Night Carols events are bringing communities all over the country together this month in much the same spirit.

Sports fans, school choirs, brass bands and families will gather in football grounds, schools, cathedrals and churches to sing carols – including a specially commissioned, contemporary version of Silent Night, with a new verse and chorus, co-written by Ben Cantelon and Nick Herbert.

The new version of the much-loved carol has been recorded by multi-platinum-selling tenor Paul Potts, in aid of HOPE Together, a national Christian mission movement, and Tearfund to help bring hope to those affected by the war in Syria, particularly women and children.

Silent Night Carols takes place at City Church, Unity Works, Lyon Way, St Albans, December 21, at 7pm. Details: 01727 846080, unityworks.org.uk

Silent Night (Christ The Saviour Is Born) Lyrics of the new version of the carol: By Ben Cantelon and Nick Herbert

Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child

Holy Infant, so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia

Christ the Saviour is born

Christ the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night

Son of God, Love’s pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Silent night, holy night

God's great love giving life

Let the world together rejoice

Sing forever with one voice

Heaven's hope is here

Heaven's hope is here

Christ the Saviour

Christ the Saviour is born

Peace and hope have come

Through Jesus Christ, the Son

Christ the Saviour Christ the Saviour is born

Peace and hope have come

Through Jesus Christ, the Son

Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

Music: F X Gruber. Words: Joseph Mohr (tr J F Young), Arr. and new lyrics: Ben Cantelon and Nick Herbert Copyright © 2014 Thankyou Music & Hope Together CCLI Number: 7021184