PUPPETS, a nativity trail and a festive market proved to be popular with those ready to embrace the Christmas spirit.

Christ Church, in Chineham, held a nativity trail and Christmas centre event for visitors at Chineham Shopping Centre.

The event featured pop-up stalls selling Christmas goodies, and youngsters from the church told the story of the nativity with puppets. And in shop windows throughout the centre were characters from the nativity for youngsters to find.

The day was part of a six-month series of events organised by the church, called Discover. Other events have included the Chineham Village Show in October.

“The idea with these events is we are trying to build the community spirit in Chineham,” said church member Penny Brown, from Lychpit.

“We are out to be where people are and be a presence in the community so people can see what we do.”