Norfolk Sculptress Rachael Long and children from Little Melton and Hethersett have combined to make it a memorable Christmas at Little Melton Parish Church.

Rachael, who comes from Wreningham, and the youngsters have produced a tableau of animals and figures as part of a Christmas art project with a festive message.

A donkey, sheep, a camel and a cockerel have been put together using natural materials such as brambles, twigs, branches, seeds, nuts and shells often within a metal framework.

Having sculptures in All Saints Church is becoming something of a tradition. Two years ago Rachael Long and local children combined for a series of artistic angels. Last year fellow sculptress Jessica Perry was responsible for the display.

This year church member Dr Fiona Doonan suggested using natural materials and church members began collecting. Rachael Long heard about the idea and offered her help. She made the framework for the animals which were then decorated in schools and nurseries by the children and staff. The result is a captivating church landscape that enforces the Christmas message. Exhibits include “The Birth of Jesus” by Fiona and Becky Doonan, a cockerel made by Little Melton pre-school nursery, a donkey made by children from Hethersett Junior School, a sheep by children from Little Melton Primary School and a camel by students from Hethersett High School.

The cost of the display has been met by Little Melton Parochial Parish Council and the project was launched at a coffee morning in the church.

Many of the exhibits will remain on display in the church over the Christmas period. It is also likely that some will find their way to Hethersett Library.