PUPILS at a school near Stourport were delighted when a real donkey arrived to star in their nativity play.

The children from Abberley Hall School in Great Witley got into the Christmas spirit with Snowy the donkey, who led a procession through the school.

Gill Portsmouth, registrar of the school, said: “Our pre-prep and nursery department presented their Christmas concert with all pupils aged from two to eight taking part.

“After a delightful collection of traditional and contemporary carols, poems and a nativity play the children left our theatre hall and joined a procession through the school following ‘Mary’ on a donkey.

“It was quite a magical start to the festive season and Snowy behaved impeccably. She added a really authentic touch to proceedings and got everyone thinking about the true meaning of Christmas.”

The donkey was loaned to the school for the nativity by parent Victoria Orchard.