THE DONKEY may have refused to take his final steps into church but the llamas performed admirably.

Crowds turned out for Bridport Nativity at St Mary's Church and a good time was had by all, organisers said.

Buster the donkey accompanied Joseph all the way from St Swithun's Church - but steadfastly refused to enter St Mary's Church for the performance.

But it didn't matter, as the llamas, masquerading as camels, were keen to play their part.

The Reverend Philip Ringer, who organised the event on behalf of Churches Together in Bridport and District, said: "A wonderful cast of Mary and baby Jesus, performed by Georgia-May Boyer's three-month-old son Joshua, held the congregation in awe. This was disturbed, on cue, by the arrival of the Kings with three llamas."

The first king to enter the church was played by councillor Barry Irvine, this year's deputy mayor of Bridport. 

The Rev Ringer added: "Everyone who came seemed to enjoy themselves. I acknowledge that some local websites did not have the correct information on them and we will do our best to rectify that position for next year. We need to polish our act in terms of publicity in general. However, I would like thank everyone involved."