LAST year, the members of Bantry Christian Fellowship transformed a quiet corner in front of their church on Tower Street, just above Cinemax, into a live crib. This year, it was even more popular and the sum of €1,105 was raised for the local chapter of St Vincent de Paul.

This year, some young actors played their roles as members of the holy family, while some farm animals from the Top of the Rock pod park auditioned for their own starring roles.

Hundreds went to see the live crib from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on Sunday, the shortest day of the year.

David Ross told The Southern Star: 'The idea was to capture the mood of the well-known carol And in thy dark street shineth the everlasting light.

'As dusk approached,' he said, 'there were all the sights and sounds that came from that original stable in Bethlehem, pointing us to a sense of wonder that the Christ child should be born in such a setting.'

At street level there was the live nativity scene while upstairs people followed the Christmas story trail.

It was an interactive event for children who filled in special Christmas worksheets as they visited shepherds, the wise men, the angel and a few other characters from the Christmas story.

In the main room, there were gingerbread cookies to decorate, with carols and music in the background, as well as refreshments for all.

Admission was free, but people were generous in their donations to St Vincent de Paul and the good work done by the local chapter.