A CHRISTMAS procession had a realistic touch when Mary rode in on a real donkey.
Five-year old Courtney Cairns and six-year-old Christian Hearne, who played Joseph, took the lead roles in the procession at Sherburn Road, in Durham City.
The two donkeys, Dixie and Oswald, travelled from the Ramshaw Rescue Centre, an animal sanctuary near Bishop Auckland, to play a starring role in the procession, which ended with entertainment at Pelaw View Centre.
The procession launched a week of Christmas activities, organised by residents and staff from the Three Rivers Housing Group.
Tenants built a grotto for Santa and prepared hot broth and a Christmas buffet, while children enjoyed stocking fillers provided by Tesco, while the local Salvation Army band and choir led the carol singing.
Community officer Nigel Dowd, of Three Rivers Housing Group, said: "It was a really good night and the best start possible to our week of Christmas events.
"There was only room for 100 people inside the centre, but others turned out just to watch the procession. Mary, Joseph and the donkeys all did a fantastic job."
Other plans include a Christmas lunch for elderly residents on Friday and a disco for teenagers next Wednesday.
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