THE ‘real Nativity’ at Holy Cross Church in Binsted, most of which takes place outside, is now in its ninth year and draws greater numbers of visitors each year from ever further afield.

This year more than 300 people attended the service led by the Reverend Yann Dubreuil.

Mary and Joseph were played by Marie and Luke Smith, who were married in the summer at Holy Cross and are now expecting their own first child.

The Archangel, kings, Roman centurion, shepherds and innkeepers were all played by villagers and the sheep in the churchyard were provided by Nick Shaylor, who is a shepherd and farm manager at Mill Farm, Isington.

His three sons, the youngest only 20 months old, also played the part of young shepherds, while the donkey, called Holly, was provided by the Woods family. Holly is a regular and much-loved member of the cast.

The event was managed by Nick and Rose Carter.