A specially built Nativity with characters from the story of Jesus’ birth has been installed in the grounds of a church in Abergele.

It’s hoped the scene, outside St Michael’s Church in the town centre, will encourage people to think about the real meaning of Christmas.

The stable was built by Stephen Thompson from Rhyl and members of the church contributed towards the purchase of the figures.

The scene was the idea of the recently appointed vicar, the Revd Noel McGarrigle. He said: “St Michael’s currently has seven acres of church grounds and since I started here in September, I thought there could be great opportunities to use the grounds to help visitors understand more about the message of Christianity. The graveyard includes a busy public footpath which is used regularly by lots of people. After considerable consultation with church members, it was decided to take the Christmas Story outside this year, instead of keeping it inside the church.

“The response so far has been really positive and interactive, with people of all ages commenting on the Nativity. We’ve had visits from local schools as well as grandparents, passing by the church after collecting their grandchildren from school, entering the church grounds to interact with the Nativity scene. It’s been really positive and encouraging.”

St Michael’s has hosted a series of Carol Services for organisations and schools in Abergele, with the church full. Services are also taking place in the church grounds around the Nativity Scene.

Services on Christmas Eve are at:

• 30pm for a Christingle Service
• 30pm for Midnight Mass

On Christmas Day there is a Sung Eucharist service at 11am. To find out about other Christmas services in the Diocese of St Asaph, visit https://dioceseofstasaph.org.uk/advent/advent-services/

St Michael’s Church in Abergele is part of the Aled Mission Area, a group of churches working together to better serve their local communities. Aled is one of 20 Mission Areas in the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses in the Church in Wales.