CHILDREN are limbering up ahead of the annual nativity parade through Atherton on Friday evening (Dec 2), starting at 6pm.

The parade will start on Atherton car park and will be led by children dressed as Mary and Joseph, on a donkey travel through the streets of the town centre and call at local inns to see if they have any rooms. Other children will take part on the roles as angels, shepherds and the Wise Men.

Last year they parade called at the Jolly Naylor, Last Orders and the Red Lion pubs.

Music along the way will be provided by Tyldesley Brass Band creating an atmosphere with Christmas hymns along the way.

The parade will finish at Atherton Parish church where a full nativity scene in a stable will be revealed with the help of children from all the local schools.

Last year this included all the primary schools in Atherton and the two schools in Hindsford

The event is sponsored by the Bent and Bongs Beer festival, Atherton Business Partnership, Adactus Homes, Atherton Carnival Committee, local councillors and Brighter Borough.

Pictured at last year's parade: Val Houghton from Atherton Business Partnership with Jamie Charlson, ten as Mary, and Louis Christey, aged 11 as Joseph, from Parklee Primary