NATIVITY scenes are ushering in the festive cheer in Chipping Sodbury with the launch of the annual Crib Festival again taking over St John’s Church.

The festival, which was formally opening the festival on Tuesday at a special reception by the Reverend Cannon Dr Andrew Braddock of Gloucester Cathedral, runs until Sunday, with an incredible 163 cribs and Nativity scenes on display.

Crowds of people have already made their way to the church to view the array of scenes, made from all kinds of materials including wool, wood, paper and even bread, with cribs and scenes being donated both locally and sent in from countries around the world.

This year the event is collecting for nominated charity Children’s Hospice South West, with a donation to be made at the end of the festival.

For more information on the schedule of the festival, visit www.svbcofe.org.uk