Crowds enjoy open air nativity at Market Drayton

An assortment of animals, including horses, took part in the Buttercross to Bethlehem event, which saw Cheshire Street in Market Drayton transformed into a scene from the Bible.

A cast of 30, involving several youngsters, took part in the show on Sunday, which was organised by Churches Together.

Reverend Ruth Jeffries, from the town's Methodist church, said: "The community turned out in droves.

"Carols were well joined in with by the whole audience – led by a brass and wind band which had been put together for the event. Mary and Joseph both had to walk up to the Buttercross as sadly the donkey lived up to its stubborn reputation and so was a no show, but it didn't detract at all from the feel and flow of the nativity.

"Despite thinking that we wouldn't have a sheep, we were over the moon to be offered Binky a pet sheep whose owner also joined the cast as a shepherd.

"The retelling of this story saw Gabriel appear to various characters in a blaze of light with 5ft wings.

"He was eventually joined by a host of angels who skipped and played up Cheshire Street as they followed the shepherds up to join the rest of the characters in the Buttercross. Stealing the show though were the group from S&G Equine – riding on three stunning horses, adorned with jewels, tinsel and fairy lights. They looked stunning.

"The narrators, supported by BSB Sound who provided all the sound and lighting, closed off the story by encouraging everyone to remember the birth of Jesus as they celebrate their Christmas.

"They then invited everyone to head up and into the Buttercross where they were met with a beautiful stable scene made up of all the characters who had taken part, a couple of calves, and of course baby Jesus who behaved beautifully and smiled at everyone who came through.

"All in all, an entire success and lots of encouragement to do it again next year – we will see."