'Hay' there! Animals delight at nativity

Live nativity at St Mary's in Snettisham as popular as ever

"He's so soft," says 4 year old William, who's saying hello to Pebbles the donkey.

There's also a pony, two calves, two goats, two lambs and a pig from the local Park Farm.

Beautiful Pebbles

Farm manager, Trevor Walters, who's been part of live nativities for more than 40 years says, "I think Christmas is very special, I think by putting animals in there it gives it that extra feeling of how special this time of year is. It also brings people in that don't necessarily like coming to church."

Berla with a calf

Evie and Berla, who help look after the animals, say it's a lovely event.  "I think it's a good experience for people to see all the animals, and come to the church - it's unique," says Berla.

The church is full of children with happy faces, especially 10 year old Lola, who's getting to walk Pebbles down the nave.  Smiling afterwards she tells me it was, "cool."

 2 year old Willow, who's here with her mum Holly and dad Cameron, stops to say her favourite animal is "the piggies", mum Holly adds, "We live in the village and we love it, Willow just loves the animals."

11 year old Edith

"It's going to struggle to get them to leave!" laughs Hayley, who's here with her children from the Midlands, "I think it's great, really really good."

Her 11 year old daughter Edith agrees, "I like it, I think it's really cool."

Before the sing-along Crib Service I have a quick chat with Reverend Dan Tansey.

"It's very exciting, especially with the kids that come in," he says, adding, "It's not often that you see animals in a church - and it's makes a real difference for them to be able to come in and pet the animals, and it just adds to the whole excitement of the season."

I couldn't agree more, and neither can my 2 year old, who's still chatting about the donkey.  

All images Ian Burt