A HAMPSHIRE church has turned itself into a nativity experience.

More than a 100 volunteers at Eastleigh Baptist Church, led by junior pastor the Rev Chris Walker, have transformed the interior of the building in Wells Place. Seating has been removed and temporary rooms created to tell the story of Christmas.

Visitors enter a 21st century living room from which a door opens onto the Wisemen’s palace. The journey continues through the other rooms to a hillside in Bethlehem and then, finally, the stable.

Pupils of Nightingale Primary School and members of the Thursday lunch club were the first to see the attraction which will be open over the weekend to coincide with Eastleigh’s Christmas lights switch-on.

The Rev Walker said: “It brings Christmas alive.”

He thanked all the volunteers who gave up their time to construct the rooms and those who had donated props and materials.

The Nativity Experience will be open to the public from 10am to 2pm tomorrow and Sunday.

Admission is free.