NORMALLY he’d be delivering the sermon or introducing the carols. But the vicar of Liphook and Bramshott will pretend to be a shepherd for his parish’s Nativity experience.

The Rev Valentine Inglis-Jones will don his costume for the Live Nativity event held at Liphook Church Centre, from 11am-1pm on December 10.

Hundreds of visitors will see churchgoers dressed as characters from the Nativity story, including Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels and wise men. They can ask each character questions and understand what they went through.

There’ll also be a stable filled with live animals for children to stroke, including sheep, goats and donkeys. Refreshments and craft activities will also be available, and the event is free of charge.

It’s the third year running that Liphook Church has hosted such an event. Previous ones have attracted many families who don’t normally go to church to sample the true spirit of Christmas.

The curate, the Rev Alison Bennett, said: “It’s designed as an alternative to Santa’s grotto, with the chance to discover what the first Christmas was really like. It’s free because it’s our gift to the local community, but any donations will be given to the Angel Tree project which helps children whose parents are in prison. We’ll also tell visitors about our Christmas services.”

The event is one of hundreds taking place in churches across south-east Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to mark Advent and Christmas. For details of other events, see www.portsmouth.anglican.org or www.achristmasnearyou.com