CHILDREN at the Old School Nursery in Great Cheverell took part in a very different kind of Christmas play this week.

The play, called Mbuti, is set in Africa, the children's topic for the term, and tells the story of the Mbuti, a tribe of people who live in the rainforests of Central Africa.

When they try to return a lion cub to its father they come up against the other animals in the rainforest.

They want a king to tell them what to do. Their journey to find one brings laughter and tension. When the old father lion finds them all, he tells them there is a King above all others who will reign forever.

And so both people and animals learn about the Christmas story.

Around 50 of the older children at the nursery school and all the staff take part in the play which is on today and tomorrow at 11am.

School principal Rhona Welham said: "It is something different for both the children and their parents but the story of Africa and the Nativity teaches us all a great deal.

"The play has African music, dramatic costumes and many opportunities for dance.''

She added: "It has been an exciting project."