THE Christmas story was brought to life for a unique retelling of the Biblical tale this weekend.

Children and families flocked to Smithills Open Farm on Sunday where they were joined by the animal residents for a special performance of the Nativity.

Young shepherds, angels, wise men and reindeer made their way through the barns, which were transformed to become Bethlehem and the famous stable, as they narrated and acted out the story of Jesus’s birth.

Joining them were cows, llamas, goats, sheep and pigs as well as star of the show, Roly the donkey.

A veteran of pulling in the crowds, Roly was the first animal to join Smithills Farm when it opened more than two decades ago and despite being almost 35, the old-hand proved he has still got it.

Carl Grimshaw, Smithills Farm manager, said: “It nearly Christmas and it’s always great to get festive.

“Everyone is in good spirits and we love to get stuck in do something a little bit different and show good will to the community.”

The event was the third time that the Nativity has been put on at the farm by the youngsters and adults of the Smithills Fellowship, an association of churches and schools.

During the course of the morning youngsters also entertained the audience with renditions of Christmas songs and musicians from Smithills Fellowship played brass instruments as they joined visitors in some carol singing.

The performance was then closed out by a reading and talk.

Ross Pile, of Smithills Fellowship leadership team, and one of the event’s organisers said: “The nativity went fabulously.

“There was a lively crowd of families all here to hear the Christmas story.

“The children just loved the experience, the animals were very well behaved and it was a little bit of a different morning.

“We love to bring things out into the community and I think that makes it unique.”