The Catholic Church in Sidmouth is calling for the community’s support to create a festival of nativity scenes that will be displayed across the town on Friday night (December 1).

Emma McGauley, its head of children’s liturgy, hopes to repeat last year’s success and would like to borrow crib sets, saying it will add a ‘very significant dimension’ to the display.

She said: “We would like to borrow your crib sets, old or new, home-made or bought, large or small, plain or ornate, but in all cases special and loved. Last year we had over 60 cribs on display and we would love to have even more this year.

“We promise to look after them and only need to borrow them ideally for the week until the morning of Saturday, December 2, but would be happy to just borrow them for the evening of 1st December if you cannot spare them for longer.

“We are inviting the parishioners from all our local churches, the schools, friends and neighbours to participate in this enterprise.

“If you are willing, it would be fantastic if some of your children could make their own crib, either individually or in a group.

“This would add a very significant dimension to the display.

“We would like to invite everyone in Sidmouth to visit us in St Teresa’s Hall, on the corner of Vicarage Road and Connaught Road, on their way home after late night shopping, to see a display of all the Nativity Scenes that have been and are special to the people of our lovely town and spend a few moments with us, light a candle, maybe say a prayer, or just enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a mince pie.

“There will be no charge. ”

Anyone able to help can contact Emma on emma.mcgauley@btinternet.com or 07967 821794.