"Let us take pride in our Christian heritage", Theresa May has said, as she paid tribute to the armed forces and emergency services in her Christmas message.

The Prime Minister thanked "all those whose service to others means they will be spending time away from their loved ones this Christmas".

The response to terror attacks in Manchester and London earlier this year, and to the Grenfell Tower disaster, "inspired the nation", she said.

But the action of the emergency services "saves lives in our communities every day, including Christmas Day," she added.

She also paid tribute to volunteer projects such as the Churches Together initiative which combines the efforts of different Christian denominations to respond to issues such as the refugee crisis, as well as aid workers abroad.

She also called on the public to stand up for the right for people to "speak about and practice their beliefs in peace and safety".

She added: "As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us celebrate all those selfless acts - and countless others - that epitomise the values we share: Christian values of love, service and compassion that are lived out every day in our country by people all faiths and none.