CHILDREN as young as three have been taking part in their first Nativity at a pre-school group.

The youngsters, from Byerley Road Pre-School group, in Shildon, acted out the Nativity, which was read by staff, before singing Christmas songs.

The pre-school provides care and education for children aged from two to eight.

Manager Susan Calvert said: "We have been working on it since October and we had 30 children taking part - with 17 shepherds.

"This is the first time for them because this particular group are only three and four.

"It was a packed crowd of parents and grandparents and there was not a dry eye in the house.

"The younger children that come to school in the afternoon at the moment have performed Christmas songs for their families.

"Hopefully when they are a little older they will get to do a Nativity here too."