AN OX and an ass may have watched over the manger at the original Christmas, but Ellesmere Port is breaking with tradition when it stages its first-ever live Nativity next month. A miniature horse and three alpacas will join a donkey and sheep to help set the crib scene at the Mayor's Christmas Festival in Civic Square. The South American alpacas are among the more exotic creatures at Five Oaks Boarding Kennels and Cattery in Capenhurst, which is supplying the other animals for the event. Miniature horse Monty is coming along because his donkey friend Jenny can't bear to be parted from him. Handler Alison Stuart said: 'We bought Monty at a rare breeds sale but the lady who sold him explained that if we bought him we had to take Jenny too, as they grew up together and she pines if they are separated.' Event organiser Lorraine Taylor, the council's town centre manager, said: 'The alpacas are wonderful, like mini camels. We'll also have a very friendly ram called Matthew and some sheep. 'It'll be a real community event and everyone is welcome.' Borough mayor Marie Lewis had the idea for the live Nativity after she saw a similar event in Brussels. The festival takes place from 1pm on Thursday, December 14. Primary school groups will stage the Nativity scene and sing carols in 15-minute slots between 1 and 3pm. A church group will sing for an hour followed by the Sea Cadets playing Christmas tunes until 5pm, when the lantern parade starts. Led by a samba band and accompanied by street theatre artists, the parade of 40 lanterns will leave the square at 5pm and go through Marina Walk, down Marina Drive into Rivington Road, through the Port Arcades and new market and then return along the same route, arriving back at the Civic Square around 6.30pm. Throughout the day there will be a chance to donate to the Mayor's Charity Fund in aid of Wolverham and Stanney Pre-school (WASPS) and Wirral and Chester Riding for the Disabled. | 
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