Daisy, the elderly, much-loved donkey who normally performs so well at this annual event was hoping to be present, but has rheumatism!

However two large woolly and very friendly sheep, Olivia and Gremlin, were waiting in the church to help in the Living Crib, a re-enactment of the Nativity by parishoners.

A crowd gathered in the ancient Manor ruins on Sunday evening.

Suddenly an angel appeared from the darkness to visit Mary. Soon the Emperor Augustus pointed the way to Bethlehem. Everyone followed Mary and Joseph into Church Street.

The difficulties of finding shelter were vividly presented when a door from a cosy little house was shut to their desperate pleas.

Finally a friendly inn keeper allowed them access to his stable -the church.

It took some time for the crowd, warmly clad because of the cold night, to stream in, but they were delighted to be welcomed by the very tame four year-old sheep.

Eventually Mary and Joseph entered, and the narrator continued to recount the details of the first Christmas. The shepherds tending their sheep were visited by the angel Gabriel, and then they were escorted to the stable by a crowd of angels, otherwise choristers in the church's excellent choir.

Later the three wise men appeared after a long journey, visiting the devious King Herod en route. Carols were sung enthusiastically by everyone between each scene.

Five months-old baby Ed, lay peacefully in Mary's arms at first, but then began to look around. The sheep were unusually quiet this year, but not so baby Jesus.

As all the children gathered in the stable to sing, Away in a Manger ....."no crying he makes," the baby began to exercise his lungs – perhaps a reminder of the realities of the actual event.

The cast of many adults and children, together with the sheep, certainly gave an impact to the familiar story, centred on a vulnerable baby, which lies at the heart of our Christmas festivities. It also was a reminder that this is a story grounded in history, and full of the ordinary routine and difficulties of human life.

Mulled wine and mince pies were served afterwards in a crowded Community Centre by the church's bellringers – and two special visitors wandered happily around the room - the sheep!