Christmas in Glen Maye officially began on Sunday with the Christmas in the Barn at Ballacreggan Farm.

This annual event, now in its eighth year, began when farmer Gordon Clague offered the use of his barn while Glen Maye chapel was being refurbished.

Minister Andy Fishburne wrote the script for this year’s nativity and Crosby Silver Band provided the music. Gordon Clague managed to rustle up some live sheep and donkeys for added realism and the baby Jesus was played by David Pemberton, who is just eight weeks old.

Organiser Paul Craker said: ’It was really good. It was a good crowd as usual and good to see so many people from the village there.

’It’s a good start to Christmas, getting people into the spirit.’