THE Christmas story will have an added poignancy at a village school this year thanks to the gift of a nativity scene.

Members of the carving group which meets weekly in High Coniscliffe School hall handed over the figures this week.

The idea was thought up by Keith Hardisty, a members of the Durham and North Yorkshire branch of the British Wood Carvers' Association.

Even relatively novice carvers were eager to contribute to team effort, which is a thank you for their meeting place.

Head teacher, Tom Lumley, who was also given a cheque, was obviously moved by the carvings.

He said: "This is something that is quite unique and will cement the bond between the carving club and the school. It will be here long after I have gone and generations of children will handle the figures and admire the detail and craftsmanship.

"I intend using one of the figures as a theme for each of the ten assemblies in the run-up to Christmas, as a kind of Advent calendar.