IT WAS a case of "a-bray in a manger" in Brentwood as the Christmas build-up continued with a pair of donkeys and an undertaker dressed as the Virgin Mary.
Festive shoppers may have rubbed their eyes at the sight of Bella and Peggy the donkeys, strolling up the High Street last week.
But it was all part of a Nativity afternoon, organised by Bennetts Funeral Directors, which raised £210.06 for The Alzheimer's Society through their festive fundraising.
The Nativity party, which included Mary, Joseph, Wise Men, Shepherds and the star animals from the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, swept through the town centre waving buckets along the way before settling down for a carol sing-a-long at Bennetts headquarters.
The Dawn Chorus Choir led the vocals in style as a group of around 60 guests, including the Mayor of Brentwood, Cllr Ann Coe, joined in a selection Yule Tide classics including Away In A Manger, Silent Night, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and, of course, Little Donkey.
The Bishop of Bradwell, the Rt Revd John Wraw, also attended to give a blessing.
Jane Bennett, who gave an immaculate performance as a shepherd, described the afternoon on Tuesday (December 11) as a "tremendous success".
"I was so grateful that people turned out in the bitter cold," she said. Everyone had a great time, and gave a rousing singing performance of carols.
"It's really got Christmas off to a fantastic start and I'm pleased. It was heartwarming to see so many children and young people donating to our charity when we were collecting the in the High Street.
"I want to thank everyone so much for their help, time and generosity and for joining in."
Dressed up as the Virgin Mary, was Lucienne Hunt, from Bennett's Billericay office.
