HUNDREDS of children in a North-East town took part in a Nativity production with a difference.

About 250 children from primary schools across Darlington took part in the Christmas Journey at St John’s Church, in Neasham Road.

The play was performed in different parts of the church and allowed the children, aged six and seven, to take part in the story.

From the story of the Creation on to Mary’s kitchen visited by the angel Gabriel and the shepherds in the fields at night to the palace of the Three Kings, the Nativity was brought to life as the children took part in the journey.

It was initiative involving four Darlington churches - St John’s, St Andrew’s in Haughton, St Columba’s and St Herbert’s.

Reverend Sheilagh Williamson, priest in charge at St John’s, said: “The play was designed to be a living Nativity journey for the children.

“This was something I had wanted to do for a long time but have never had the space to do it. It is very exciting.

“Using the idea of a journey rather than a traditional static Nativity play allowed the children to explore the meaning of the Christmas story while dressing up and have a great deal of fun.”