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Animals and staff at farm zoo star in Nativity

John Devinein Old Hurst
John Devine/BBC Characters in a stable include three wise men riding inflatable camels, the Angel Gabriel, Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus in a crib.John Devine/BBC
The Nativity was presented after just one rehearsal and involved cattle, sheep and a donkey called Glenn. In a break with tradition, the Angel Gabriel is on a mobile phone

Staff and animals at a visitor farm and zoo have performed a Nativity play to raise funds for a local church.

Andy Johnson, of Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire, said he wanted people to "remember the true meaning of Christmas".

Five-month-pregnant zookeeper Kat Choppin played the part of Joseph to ensure she could lead the Nativity's donkey, which she had trained, while Lucy Leeder, as Mary, rode the animal to ensure it did not bolt and send Joseph flying.

Canon Fred Kilner, of St Peter's Church in the village, said he was "thrilled" to receive nearly £2,000 from the event, which "would ensure the building can stay open for everyone".

Johnson of Old Hurst Two ladies standing behind a donkey who is sideways to the camera, the girl on the left has a blue shawl around her shoulder and brown shoulder length hair, the girl on the right has a false brown moustache on and brown hair with a gold cape on. Behind them are some trees and lots of Christmas fairy lights strung up in a field.Johnson of Old Hurst
Lucy Leeder (left) and Kat Choppin (right) agreed Glenn the donkey "was the star of the show"
John Devine/BBC Kat Choppin has brown hair tied behind her head and is wearing a golden, embroidered jacket with a dark fleece underneath. Behind her is a stable and a few people near it, in darkness.John Devine/BBC
Kat Choppin said Glenn's training had started after a circus had visited the zoo in the summer, and an animal trainer had seen "real potential" in him

Andy Johnson is a fourth-generation farmer, well known for keeping crocodiles at his working farm, which is north of St Ives.

He said he was "really happy" that so many people turned up to see their first Nativity.

"We were lucky with the weather and the animals all behaved," he said.

Mr Johnson added that his primary role in the play was operating a telehandler to raise the Angel Gabriel about 6m (20ft) in the air.

"I feel the real story of Christmas gets overlooked these days; it is all about presents and Santa Claus, so I thought we'd bring back the true meaning," he said.

John Devine/BBC Andy Johnson is smiling. He has short sandy coloured hair and is wearing a light green boiler suit with a mustard tartan shirt underneath, the picture is taken at night and there are fairy lights visible in the background.John Devine/BBC
Andy Johnson thought the Nativity "might turn into something from the Vicar of Dibley", but added he was "delighted" it went so well
John Devine/BBC A figure in white is standing on top of a telehandler's arm and platform, about six metres (20ft) in the air. A crowd of people are in the foreground, some with camera phones. Spotlights illuminate the figure and conifer trees can be seen behind it.John Devine/BBC
The angel Gabrielle appeared atop a 6m (20ft) high telehandler

Mr Johnson estimated "around 400 people" attended the single performance, which also featured the Somersham Town Band, who played Christmas Carols woven into the Nativity performance.

Johnsons has diversified previously, hosting travelling circuses and Christmas markets among other events.

Mr Johnson said he was encouraged enough to possibly hold the Nativity play again next year.

John Devine/BBC Lucy Leeder, 18, has long brown hair, with a skull cap on her head, she has a green shawl on with a green scarf on top she is standing next to a stable, with a donkey.John Devine/BBC
Zookeeper Lucy Leeder played Mary and said that Glenn the donkey was on his "best behaviour on the night"

Mr Kilner is the rural Dean of St Ives and currently supporting the Christian ministry at St Peter's Church until a new vicar is appointed.

"Everyone at Old Hurst church is so grateful for Andy Johnson's generous support," he said.

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