ACTORS, choristers and camels brought the story of Christmas to life, in the heart of Durham City.

On Sunday afternoon, the Market Place was packed with families who witnessed a live nativity play, performed in an amphitheatre style following Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus Christ.

Real camels carried the wise men to visit the Baby Jesus in the manger, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The live nativity was produced by AH Events for Durham Business Improvement District (Durham BID) as part of its Christmas In Durham line-up.

Organisers said the show was presented in a sensitive way and, in its fifth year, has become a real favourite with families whether they are religious or not as the nativity is the reason Christmas is celebrated.

Durham BID has already held a packed-out Christmas lights switch-on event featuring musicians from solo drummers, jazz singers, rock bands, samba drummers and classical orchestras complete with a flash mob choir.

And there will be a Christmas Walkabout Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, when visitors to the city centre will be able to meet and greet some of their favourite festive friends like the Snow Queen and Panto Dames, while enjoying live entertainment and street performances each day.