A HOST of children and adults took part in a Living Nativity at Miniland Farm in Passfield.

Farm owner Deborah Mockeridge said: “We decided to put the setting of the traditional Christmas story among our lovely animals on the farm - with the audience following a trail.

“It’s a smaller version of the well-known Wintershall Nativity as well as a bit of Christmas panto thrown in – for good measure.

“This is the first time and a one-off for this season, that we have put on a live nativity, after moving here two years ago.

“I got all my friends as well as mums, dads and teachers from the schools involved and they all had a fantastic time performing it.

“I must thank the whole cast for playing their parts so well and especially our producer and director Rosie Glaister, as well as the animal handlers Suzie and Tabitha Baldwin.”

Simple Simone and a camel was played by Cathy Austin, Elsa from Frozen by Sarah Burke, the golden star by Jade McVeigh, the innkeeper by Sammy Swan, Mr Goldberg by Helen Marshall and Mrs Goldberg by Karen Williams.

Mary was Rachel Billsberry-Grass, while ‘moaning’ Joseph was performed by David Marshall.

The three kings were Richard Williams as Caspar, Michael Crawley as Melchior and Steve Laking as Balthazar, paying a visit to Roy Kelly who played a mean King Herod.

Shepherds Frances Bunting, Faye Walton and Sally Martin were supported by a flock of child angels, played by Bella Mockridge, Maggie Wyatt, Phoebe Smith, Saffron McVeigh, Chloe Mockridge and Elody Walton.

Deborah recently made an application to East Hampshire District Council to open the premises as a petting farm, as well as add a farm shop and cafe, with access off Hollywater Road.

Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council discussed the application at their last planning meeting and despite not having any objections, raised some concerns over the access off a busy road.

A decision by the district council is still outstanding.