Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

THE TRUTH ABOUT CAROLS

LOCAL MP TELLS BBC OF CAROL WRITING AUNT

Local MP Douglas Alexander will tell TV viewers of a famous relative this Sunday.

A BBC documentary “The Truth About Carols” will relate the story of Victorian hymn writer Cecil Frances Alexander. The lyrical Minister’s wife, to whom MP Douglas is related, wrote “One in Royal David’s City” as well as the timeless hymns “There is a Green Hill Far Away” and “All Things Bright and Beautiful”.

The documentary to be aired on Sunday 20th December at 7pm on BBC Four, will be presented by choral expect Howard Goodall. The programme celebrates the enduring power of the carol with a variety of performances from folk singer Bella Hardy to the choir of Truro Cathedral.

MP Douglas said: “I enjoyed sharing our family’s pride in the life and accomplishments of Cecil Frances Alexander. She was an extraordinary woman. Each Christmas when I hear “Once in Royal David’s City” sung as part of the “Nine Lessons and Carols” service at Paisley Abbey, I feel real pride in the enduring appeal of my Great Aunt’s greatest carol.