Shoppers experienced a live nativity recreation in the town centre.

Children and their families were invited to visit the stable filled with real animals and actors outside St Mary’s Church from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, December 9.

The Live Nativity aimed to bring the story of Jesus’ birth alive and booklets were also handed out to tell the story.

Many churches in the area joined together to fund and organise the event and volunteers from all over the town also took part.

Some people even dressed as a camel and walked up and down the high street handing out sweets to passers-by.

Spencer Wylie, a member of Wellspring Church, dressed as an angel and stood in the cold to help bringing the Christmas story to life.

He said, “This is expressing the unity of the Church in Watford as we celebrate together the birth of Christ.’

Tim Roberts, the chairman of Christians Across Watford and the reverend of Wellspring Church Centre in Watford, called the event a “great success”.

He said: “Many shoppers dropped by to pet the animals and take photos of the manger scene outside or St Mary’s Church.