Never work with children or animals, they say - but that certainly wasn't the case at Pets' Corner on Saturday. The Nativity story came to life, as told by children from the Playhouse, with a real donkey and sheep; and the two alpacas, provided with temporary humps, made magnificant camels. After a spot of carol singing and tea, coffee, soup and mince pies, Santa also put in an appearance, with his reindeer.

Harlow Council vice chairman Lorna Spenceley handed out certificates to all the children who'd taken part, and congratulated them on a brilliant performance.