SCHOOLS across Wiltshire have been celebrating the meaning of Christmas with festive plays and productions.

Many infant and junior school children have each played their part in traditional Nativity plays or more updated versions.

The younger children at Crockerton School, Warminster performed their play Whoops-a-Daisy Angel to large audiences.

The children, aged between four and seven, told the story of Whoops-a-Daisy who was so clumsy and untidy she was never asked to do anything important until she was given a key job in Bethlehem.

Headteacher Val Cuff said: "This year, thanks to brand new stage blocks, made by father Gary Holton, the children were able to perform in their own school, rather than move to another venue. But they had to put on three performances in order to accommodate all the families and friends who wanted tickets."

A number of schools in Trowbridge have been taking part in a special section of the town's Christmas Festival of Lights competition.

Schools were asked to enter their Christmas activities in to the competition and entries included plays, nativities and singing.

The judges, including mayor Jeff Osborn and representatives from Trowbridge Lions, were visiting the schools this fortnight.

Cllr Osborn said: "When you see the light in the eyes of the youngsters and them doing their utmost to remember their lines and stage directions it certainly brings a lump to my throat and restores the meaning of Christmas.

"It is an impossible thing to judge because they all put their heart and soul into it. This has been a pleasure to do."

Schools taking part in the competition have included Studley Green, with The Birth of the King (according to Queen), which was written by children in years four, five and six.

Children from St John's School sang for patients and staff at Trowbridge Hospital. Other schools taking part in the competition included Margaret Stancomb, Newtown and Parochial, while the town's Playtime Preschool and Redlands School, Chippenham staged their own Nativity plays.