CHRISTMAS spirit was in full swing at the weekend as crowds flocked to watch Bridport's annual Live Nativity.

And even more excitement was in the air this year with a special carol written to introduce the whole event, entitled ‘O market town of Bridport on the Jurassic Coast’.

In a tradition that dates back around seven years, Bridport Churches Together’s Christmas re-enactment is a mixture of the traditional story of the birth of Jesus, mixed with a modern take on the narrative, courtesy of ‘star’ Johnny Broome and his youthful Magi and ‘shoppers’ discussing the event.

The nativity is organised by a committee from Churches Together, led by chairman the Rev Philip Ringer.

Mr Ringer said that this year, Bridport Nativity was a fantastic occasion with a really fun meaning and great crowds of people.

He added: “Everybody played their parts really well and I am very grateful to Mary and Joseph who stood in at very short notice because of sickness.

“The message at the end of the nativity given by the Rev Pete Stone was one full of hope and one perfect for Christmas.

“Everyone was warmly welcome to take some time out of the hustle and bustle of Christmas to engage with the true meaning of the festival.”

The presentation took place on Saturday, December 20 from 11am in Bucky Doo Square.