HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Melksham to watch a living nativity make its way through the town.

Mary, Joseph and Eros the donkey led a procession of carol singers from the Town Hall to Brookside Care Home in Ruskin Avenue, followed by two Bactrian camels, Therese and Temujin.

MP Duncan Hames and Brian Goodson, chairman of the Order of St John Care Trust, had the honour of riding the camels as Wise Men.

Riding a camel was a first for Mr Hames who said getting on and off was the most challenging part.

“It was an interesting experience,” he said. “Temujin had an impressively thick fleece which carried cushion to the ride.

“I was delighted to be invited to attempt the role of one of the Wise Men, however, I’m sure most of the onlookers were more interested in the camel.”

Residents joined in with the proceedings, many dressed up as sheep and shepherds as the living nativity travelled through the street collecting money for Dementia UK.

Seasonal readings were given by residents and there was an open-air carol service and a performance by Calne Silver Band.

Esther Thomas, home manager at Brookside, said: “Our living nativity was a fantastic evening that everyone enjoyed, and we were really grateful that so many people got involved to help us raise money for such a worthy cause.

“It’s wonderful to see the whole community come together and celebrate the festive season with our residents.

"We’d particularly like to thank Paul Weymouth and his team for transforming the home into the magical yuletide setting and all the local businesses, schools and people who helped make our event a success.”