The annual Crib Service at Bramshott’s St Mary’s Church turned out to be another Christmas favourite for children and their families.

The service was led by Reverend Canon Nigel Nicholson and graced by churchgoing regulars, rescue donkeys Maisie and Florence and their owners Chris and Cherry Blackmore.

Florence carried Mary, played by Willow Horten, into the church, with Josef, played by Callum Cooper, by her side.

Children dressed as angels, shepherds, animals and kings, joined the nativity scene at the front of the church, which this year for the first time featured a real baby, Nyall Miller.

They also participated in bible readings, including Carina, Millie and Bethan, while Canon Nicholson narrated the story of Christmas.

The congregation joined in to sing their favourite Christmas carols which included ‘Once in Royal David’s City,’ ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem,’ ‘Silent Night,’ ‘While Shepherds Watched,’ ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’ and ‘Away in a Manger.’

A collection was made in aid of shelter and Canon Nicholson – who was standing in for Rev Valentine Inglis Jones, who has just started a four-month sabbatical, reminded everyone that Jesus himself was a refugee.

On Christmas Eve (December 24), Liphook Church Centre, in Portsmouth Road, will hold its annual Christingle as well as a carol service at 6pm. A Candlelight Midnight Mass will take place at St Mary’s, starting at 11pm.

On Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, two services will be held at St Mary’s at 8am and 9.30am.