IT was a Christmas story not to be sniffed at as children donned costumes galore to recount the tale of The Smelly Donkey.

Forty-five girls and boys, aged four to seven, took part in the nativity play in the chapel at Barnard Castle School, County Durham.

The pre-preparatory school children spent five weeks rehearsing the production, which was written by their teacher Jane Tulip.

Parents also spent weeks making elaborate costumes ranging from kings and wise men to an array of animals.

The final performance was popular with parents and staff as the children acted out the play and sang festive songs.

Mrs Tulip said: "The children were really good, particularly as they are so young. They remembered all their words and sang very well indeed."