A HUMBLE school nativity play was transformed into the event of the year after one of the school's neighbours provided the children with a magical setting for their performance.

Callow End CE Primary, which has just 101 pupils, was struggling for space to enable parents to watch their little stars and angels in action this year.

Fortunately, staff at the nearby Stanbrook Abbey Hotel heard of their plight and offered to let them use Callow Great Hall.

Over the past 175 years, the hall has more commonly been used as a place of worship for the Second English Benedictine Congregation Nuns.

The children were able to enjoy grand vaulted ceilings, thousands of twinkling fairy lights and an air of history as the backdrop to their performance of the traditional story of Jesus's birth.

Teacher Sarah Beard, one of the nativity directors, said: "The setting for our nativity play this year has just been magnificent.

"To hear the children singing at full volume in the awe inspiring Callow Great Hall sends shivers down your spine.

"In previous years, the children were so tired as they had to be in school until 7pm over three nights as this was the only way we were able to get all the parents in to view the nativity.

"It’s been an incredible experience and we’re so grateful to Stanbrook Abbey Hotel for the opportunity."

Alan Finnemore, events manager at Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, said: "It has been a delight to host the school and we were so pleased that we could help.

"The hall is spectacular and I can’t think of a better setting for a nativity play.

"We have spent the last few years turning Stanbrook Abbey into one of Worcestershire’s top hotels and have had lots of support from the local community, so to be able to help our local school on such a magical night is just one way of thanking them."

Helen and Hursty, from Free Radio, were also on hand to open the children's nativity performance.