A SMALL rural school near Wimborne overcame the Covid restrictions and held a nativity for parents to watch – outside.

Two carefully planned plays were organised by Pamphill First School, with children remaining in their bubbles in order to stage the festive show safely.

Head of School Rachael Oliver didn’t want anyone to miss out on the annual event and with sponsorship from Howarth Construction she made it happen.

She added: “We usually have our nativity in Wimborne Minster but that was not possible this year.

“Being a small school, we thought it would be possible to get parents involved if we held it outside.

“There was a morning and afternoon performance with the sets being sanitised between.”

Mums and dads brought their own camping chairs and sat apart from each other as the cast took on the 2,000-year-old roles.

Pamphill, a Church of England school, is part of Wimborne Academy Trust and is situated on National Trust land.

The school’s nativity also co-starred a pair of real donkeys who gave stella performance across the two shows.

Mrs Oliver said: “We were very lucky to have two donkeys which our Marys and Josephs were able to ride as part of the performances. All the children loved the donkeys and were able to pet them.

“So Many parents have told us how much this meant to them; that after such a difficult year it was a delight to see their children dressed up and enjoying performing in this memorable and special event.

“The nativity is not just a tradition it is a way of to teach the children about the story of Jesus’ birth, so they understand what Christmas is all about.”

Liz West, chief executive officer of WAT, added: “It has been a very difficult term for our schools, but they have all made Christmas happen one way or another.

“Pamphill’s work-round was creative and innovative and I’m delighted it went ahead.”