AMIDST the panic of planning for a successful Christmas it can be easy to forget the true meaning of the holiday.

But there is little chance of that happening for those driving past St Margaret’s Church in St Margaret’s Road, Oxford.

A makeshift stable complete with a giant papier mache crib and animals has been put up outside the church.

Vicar Canon Andrew Bunch said the idea had arisen when preparing young people for confirmation in the church.

Most of the children associated with the church were involved, along with three or four adults who helped with the construction and planning.

Dr Bunch said: “It’s been very interesting watching how it’s been received by the local community.”