A MOBILE nativity play gathered crowds of followers as it toured the streets of Menston.

Menston Methodist Church held its second street nativity last Sunday, featuring 14 performers, including a real baby.

Little Martha Whitaker, who will celebrate her first birthday on Christmas Eve, took pride of place in the nativity as the Baby Jesus.

As Martha was taking her first steps in the world of

performance, her older sisters were busy practising for a

pantomime they are taking part in.

Her mother walked with the group as it put on a series of seven performances in the village, one scene attracting 100 people. Martha's parents put her name forward following appeals from the church for a baby.

Mary and Joseph along with the baby were carried by a pony and trap, while the other performers walked alongside. Walkers and interested residents followed the nativity to its other ports of call.

Menston resident Susan Moorhouse, provided and drove the trap, with her own Dales pony, Libby.

One of the organisers, Pat Reid, said: "It was splendid. We had a very good turnout. The baby was so well behaved. It was a very happy time."

l Right, three-year-old Oliver France is a pint-sized

shepherd while his dad, Ashley steps out as a 'wise man'.