A primary school put its own spin on a traditional nativity play by recruiting three Marys, three Josephs and a talking donkey.

Children at Highgate Primary School in Storey Road, Highgate, dressed up in tea-towels, furry animal costumes, and tinsel to give the traditional Bible story of the birth of Jesus Christ a new twist on Thursday.

The cast, made up of the youngest pupils at the school, journeyed by camel through a dusty desert to Bethlehem, where they invited the audience to join them in ringing bells in celebration.

Headteacher William Dean said: “In a multi-faith school, we think it’s important to celebrate Christmas.

“What better way than a nativity play performed by our youngest pupils to an enthralled audience.”