A FARM was turned into a Christmas wonderland — with llamas, sheep and pigs playing out the nativity scene.

The animals played their part in the Christmas story at the Wellbeing Farm Christmas fair and market over the weekend.

About 20 local stalls selling Christmas crafts and artisan foods featured at the Edgworth farm on Saturday, including hand-made fashion accessories, scarves, jewellery and jams.

Children enjoyed facepainting, sweet stalls, puppet shows and had a special visit from Father Christmas — but the star of the show was the live nativity scene featuring the farm's famous animals.

Owner Celia Gaze revealed that she was already looking ahead to next Christmas when she hopes to arrange for a school to come and perform their nativity there with the animals.

Ms Gaze said: "We did our live nativity scene again this year with the llamas, sheep and pigs surrounding Mary and Joseph, who were also real. The kids love it, but next year we're hoping to get a school to perform their nativity here with all the animals in a live setting. That would hopefully make it more of a magical experience for the children rather than being set in their school hall.

"I'd love to hear from any local schools who would be interested in doing that."

The Christmas fair and artisan market coincided with a national event celebrating local businesses.

Ms Gaze said: "The event was a combination of the fair and Small Business Saturday, which is a national initiative supporting independent businesses.

"It was a fantastic day. We had about 20 local businesses with stalls at the farm selling Christmas crafts and delicious food.

"We also had a Peppa Pig character for the kids, and Father Christmas came to visit too. It was a real family occasion that showed off the best of local produce.

"We've sold out of mulled wine and hot chocolate, and if that's anything to go by Christmas really is almost here."