The show must go on! Prayers for a "miracle" were answered this week after an outbreak of chicken pox almost put an end to a nursery's nativity play.

Staff and helpers at Cullingworth Pre-school, based in the village hall, had to step in during rehearsals this week after almost half the cast of children were struck down by illness.

The casualty list included the star, two angels, a shepherd, a king and a reindeer.

Pre-school manager Janet Toner said: "It wasn't all bad news -- the owl was fine because he had already had chicken pox."

Thankfully, with just one day before the performance today, enough children had recovered in time for a quick dress rehearsal yesterday.

Added Janet: "We started rehearsals in the beginning of December and today is the only dress rehearsal we've had. The first case we had of chicken pox was in the beginning of November and last week there were ten out of 26 of the older group out because of it.

Forty-four children are taking part in the nativity play but that number was down to 28 at one stage.

Janet added: "We've had staff fill in and just carried on, although we did have one staff member who absolutely refused to be a sheep!

"On the day the children will be tremendous - we'll be fine The show is definitely going ahead!"

Cullingworth pre-school runs Monday to Friday, from 9am to 11.30am, and then 12.30 to 3pm.

l See page page 13 for a host of other Christmas celebration pictures