Budding young actors have been retelling the story of Christmas as shepherds watched their flocks, angels sang their praises and wise men gave gifts for the baby Jesus.

Youngsters have also been taking part in more modern performances including a cultural Christmas celebration at Ashover Primary School as pupils performed Caribbean carols and took part in French festivities.

The play, Christmas Around The World, included the traditional nativity story, the story of Baboushka and songs from across the world.

Acting assistant head Sophie Preston said: "The children have been learning about different cultures so we wanted to tie that in with the Christmas concert. It took a lot of organising but it all came together in the end and everyone enjoyed it. "

Children at Lea Primary School also based their annual show on the traditional Russian Christmas tale of Baboushka while reception children performed The Busy Angel.

Teacher Karen Maycock said: "There are 67 children in total so to get most of them speaking parts was quite a challenge, but everyone enjoyed it."

At Tansley Primary School, a clumsy angel triumphed in the school's hilarious nativity play, held in the village church.

The 18 pupils from Year One and Two at Tansley Primary School performed Whoops-a-Daisy Angel in front of an appreciative audience of friends and family.

Headteacher Tracey Holmes said: "It was about an angel who kept making mistakes, but she still managed to get everyone to the stables on time in the end.

"The children were fantastic and all thoroughly enjoyed it," she added.
Pupils in other years performed a play, called Trouble at the Tudor Banquet.

"Ugly sisters and the fairy godmother made an appearance at Brassington Primary School as pupils took to the stage for their pantomime, Cinders, while musical youngsters at Darley Churchtown Primary School hosted a lively version of the nativity story, Mary, Mary.

Pupils sang a range of modern festive songs as well as performing dance routines. Teacher Chris Heynes said: "It was very successful and pretty good fun too. All the parents enjoyed it."

Traditional nativities came to Winster Primary School, with their show The Miracle Child, and angels and shepherds also made an appearance in All Saints Juniors nativity play, at Saint Joseph's School in Matlock and at Crich Infants School.

Matlock Bath Holy Trinity Primary School saw colourful kings take to the stage for the production A Wriggly Nativity, while at Wirksworth Federation of Infant Schools youngsters took part a traditional show combined with a carol service.

Pupils at Youlgrave All Saints' Primary School performed their nativity It's A Baby, to a packed church.

Headteacher Fiona Jackson said: "All the children were superstars and there was wonderful acting and they each performed their own special dances.

"Everyone from the shepherds, sheep, kings, queens and camels were all amazing."

For more pictures, see this week's Matlock Mercury, out on Christmas Eve.