Cows and sheep added to the atmosphere of a "truly authentic" Christmas crib service, held in a farm barn.

More than 100 people gathered for the service at Church Farm Barn in South Elmham, between Bungay and Harleston.

It was organised in partnership between The Saints Benefice in Suffolk and Lightwave Bungay and Beyond, a network of small groups seeking to "share the Christian faith in new and creative ways".

The Rev Edward Land from Lightwave said: "We wanted to create an event that would capture the sights, sounds, smells and feel of the humble circumstances into which Jesus was born."

Eastern Daily Press: 100 people gathered for a 'truly authentic' Christmas crib service at Church Farm Barn in South Elmham100 people gathered for a 'truly authentic' Christmas crib service at Church Farm Barn in South Elmham (Image: Lightwave Bungay and Beyond)

The event was hosted by church warden Gail Sprake, who keeps rare and native livestock at her family's farm. The animals were joined by children dressed as nativity characters to recreate the nativity story under a large illuminated star.

Mrs Sprake said it was an "amazing event which brought the Christmas message home by making it real".

"We too stood in the straw, with cattle lowing and sheep bleating around us, on a chilly day as darkness fell," she said.

"I think everybody felt able to understand a little better what the Christmas story is all about."