A SPECIAL craft session was held for youngsters as part of a celebration of the animal kingdom.

The event at Elvet Methodist Church, Durham City, was held today (Sunday, December 29), by the local circuit’s Eco Group to raise awareness of the importance of all animals to the Christmas story.

The event , called Creation Celebrates, featured a display of artwork made by school pupils, a treasure hunt in which children had to find endangered species ion shop windows and crafts including biscuit decorating and tiger mask making.

There was also a family service and song singing session.

Penny Bissell, of the church, said the aim was to focus on the fact that all animals were part of God’s creation, not just animals traditionally associated with Christmas such as oxes and donkeys.