FATHER Christmas as well as Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus have made an appearance in school Nativity plays across Bolton.

Youngsters from Horwich Parish CE School have staged their big show The Christmas Picture.

Teacher, Monique Haffelder, said: “The children are all so excited and have all done really well.”

At St Michael’s Primary School in Green Lane, Great Lever, put on a more traditional production for parents.

A school spokesman said: “The reception and nursery classes put on a fantastic performance of It’s A Nativity to a packed hall of families, friends and visitors.

“All of the staff, governors and families were extremely proud that the youngest children attending the school were able to share the story of the first Christmas in such a wonderful way.”

Little ones from Clevelands Prep School in Chorley New Road, Bolton, all dressed up as Santa for the school’s festive production and youngsters from Millwood School in Radcliffe greeted Greater Manchester’s top police officer, Sir Peter Fahy, as the special guest at their Christmas lights switch-on.

You can see all our nativity play pictures here - more will be added as we get them.