ST Thomas' CE Primary School pupils took festive preparations to a new level after embarking on a trip to 'Bethlehem', accompanied by a donkey.

Organisers turned Stockton Heath into the sacred city before pupils set off on their mission to visit 'baby Jesus'.

After setting off from the school, on Parkgate Road, the first stop was at Alexandra Park - where the children met up with adults playing the role of shepherds.

They proceeded along Fairfield Road before arriving at St Thomas' Church to meet the three kings and were given the chance to interact by asking questions.

The kings then took them to the stable in Bethlehem where the pupils met Mary, Joseph and Jesus, prior to singing sing 'happy birthday' to Jesus and 'Away in a Manger'.

"It is nice for the children to be able to do this and gives them a better idea of Christmas," said Lynda Heesom, St Thomas' church warden, who helped organise the event.

Before leaving, the children wrote a message on a star which will be hung in the church chapel.