A SPECIAL “live” Nativity has been performed in Malton.

Canon John Manchester told the beginning of the Christmas story at the event in the Market Place outside St Michael's Church on Thursday, before Mary and Joseph journeyed by donkey to Malton Methodist Church, in Saville Street, which was transformed into the stable in Bethlehem.

Tracie Bylo Hitching, production organiser, said: “Despite the rain showers, the first Malton Nativity was a success and was enjoyed by all and we raised some much-needed funds for the work of the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem which offers support for the poor and impoverished expectant mothers.”