CAMELS and donkeys will be the stars of a community Nativity play taking place in Leigh Park and Warren Park play.

Worshippers have recruited a cast of local residents to tell the story of Jesus’s birth. The Leigh Park and Warren Park Community Nativity play takes place in St Clare’s Church, Warren Park, at 6pm on Saturday 3 December and 2pm on Sunday 4 December.

Before Sunday’s performance, those playing the three wise men will parade through local streets to the church on three real camels that have been hired for the occasion. The church will also use real donkeys in both performances.

The animals will give an authentic flavour to the Nativity play, showing how Mary and Joseph would have travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem with a donkey carrying their possessions – and how the shepherds and wise men would have travelled to see the baby Jesus.

The cast have been rehearsing since September for the production, using a new script written by director Carolyn Owens. She leads the children’s work in St Francis Church and is married to the vicar, the Rev Jonathan Jeffery. Jonathan will be playing the leading storyteller, who will present the story to the audience.

Both Jonathan and Carolyn were inspired after acting in the Havant Passion Play in August 2015 in Havant Park. They decided to recruit non-churchgoers from their local community to help tell the Christmas story in a new way.

Dan White, 21, from Buckland, will be playing the part of Joseph, after he was recruited by his fiance’s auntie.

“I have been going to drama school for 10 or 15 years, but the last time I was in a Nativity play, I think I was a sheep!” he said. “It has been good fun.”

Another non-churchgoer who has got involved is Alli (correct) Henry, who plays one of the storytellers narrating the action. She said: “The vicar chairs the board of our charity and asked me to get involved. I’ve never done anything like this before, but I like it because we can add our own touches if we want.”

And Afton Jerred (correct), from the congregation, is playing the part of the Angel Gabriel.

“Carolyn had already written the angel as being 6ft tall, so I think that’s why she chose me!” she said. “Someone has made 5ft wings for me, which will look impressive. It’s great to have a mix of church and community people involved and we all seem to get on well.”

Tickets for Sunday’s performance (Dec 4) have sold out, but residents are invited to visit the camels and petting stable in Strouden Court car park, St Clare's Avenue, Warren Park, from 1pm and to line St Clare’s Avenue for the camel procession from 1.15pm. The road will be closed to traffic for the procession.

Tickets for Saturday’s performance (6pm) are still available. Search Facebook for Community Nativity Play or ring 023-9247 5276 for more details