A 14-week-old baby is preparing for his debut performance in this year’s nativity scene.

Rowan Taylor, who was born in August, has been chosen to play the baby Jesus in the Follow The Star community event, which takes place during tonight’s late-night shopping.

His mother, Rachel, who will be taking to the stage as Mary, said she was excited about the event.

The mother-of-two, from Newton Poppleford, said: “We went to the play run and we met Julie [Wheeler, organiser of Follow The Star] and she was happy that we were going to play Mary and Jesus.

“It’s quite an honour and we are looking forward to being part of a community event.

“Not having given birth that long ago, I am so glad that I was in a hospital.

“To think that Mary was trying to find a bed for the night brings home the message of Christmas without the commercial side of it.”

Last year’s star, Floris Ray, had not even been named when she played the baby Jesus at five days old.

She was joined on stage by her whole family - mum Ruth, dad Ben and siblings Ted and Irminie.

Rachel, who is currently on maternity from Seasalt in Sidmouth, said: “My son Otto is a shepherd in his own nativity, so it will be nice for him to come and see it.”

Follow The Star will run from 5.30pm to 8pm tonight (Friday) in the Sidmouth Prayer Room in Holmdale.