IT is often said never work with children and animals but that was definitely not the case when a magical Nativity was performed at Smithills Open Farm.

Smithills Fellowship staged its first outdoor Nativity to bring the Christmas story to the community.

The rain meant that the 'stage' had to be moved from the outdoors to the farm's barns — and more animals , including pigs and llamas, and cows, found themselves becoming stars of the performance.

One goat was determined to play a part and managed to sneak into the last scene where the Reverend Vinny Whitworth was giving a reading much to the delight of children and adults.

Around 40 children performed the Nativity in various locations across the farm — with the shepherds getting completely into character by petting the sheep during the production and aptly the landlord of the Ainsworth Arms, Kieran McNamara played the role of the innkeeper.

Anne Gorton, from fellowship's leadership team, said: "It was amazing. The people at Smithills Open Farm were fantastic.

"The weather meant we had to make last minute changes because initially it was meant to be staged in a field, but they were so accommodating."

He added: "We stage a Nativity every year, but this is the first time we have taken it outdoors to bring it to a wider community.

"The children were remarkable, they took to the roles very well — they only had one walk through last Sunday in the snow."

During the performance, the children sang carols including a beautiful rendition of Away in a Manger.

Mrs Gorton said: "The performance went very well and we would love to do it again."

Mr Whitworth said: "Around 250 people came to watch and everyone enjoyed it. It was a nice way of bringing the true meaning of Christmas to the community."