CHILDREN at Barnard Castle prep school gave the traditional nativity play a slightly different slant this year.

The Smelly Donkey, written by teacher Mrs Jane Tulip and produced by her and another teacher, Mrs Louise Rowlandson, featured the antics of a rogue donkey, with six-year-old Daniel Swires in the title role.

The play starred 26 of the 142 pupils who are all aged between four and six.

Mrs Tulip has written other nativity plays with a different take on the story, with such titles as The Grumpy Innkeeper.

Headmaster, Mr Ted Haslam, said: "We always stick to the basic nativity factors. Jesus still gets born and that sort of thing, but we try to make sure that it's not just the same old story year after year. Mrs Tulip comes up with ideas to keep it fresh and add a bit of fun.

"It's still very reverent and not anything that anyone could take offence at, but she puts some laughs into it and the children and parents love it."

All the costumes were made by parents, and the school chapel was full for Tuesday's show. "There were lots of grandparents there, too, which was great," said Mr Haslam.

"Everyone had a good time and there was a real feel-good factor."