St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

Rev Sharon Jones kneeling (back row, left) with a group of the children who attended.

It was standing room only at the combined Crib and Christingle Service during the late afternoon of Christmas Eve at St Andrew's, the parish church of Dearnley and Smithy Bridge, in Littleborough.

Nearly 200 parishioners, comprising 111 adults and about 80 children, took part in the service, which included a performance by the celebrated St Andrew's puppets, who told the story, in their own inimitable way, of the Holy birth in the stable. The performance by the donkey, worthy of an Oscar, stole the show.

All children gathered at the front of church to be close to the Crib and also to get the best possible view of the puppets.

"They never cease to do us proud," said the Vicar, the Rev Sharon Jones.