ST STEPHEN’S Church crib service on Christmas Eve was a mixture of instant drama, costume and creativity.

The grumpy innkeeper (James Wonnacott) entertained the congregation as he stomped around desperately trying to get a few minutes’ sleep on what turned out to be a most unusual night.

Visitors arriving at the church in costume included a camel, a sheep and a cow. Others dressed as they arrived from the collection of costumes provided — Mary and Joseph, shepherds, angels and wise-people.

As the nativity unfolded the players (and many others) gathered around the crib and baby in the chancel and sang the final carol of the evening with lit candles. Robin Stubbs played the organ and Rev Alison Hardy gave the blessing.