IT was a record-breaking night for the people of Calne, who turned out in their thousands to help the town council and the Bible Society break a world record.

Dressed as shepherds, wise men and angels, 1,254 people came together on the Green on Saturday night to help break the Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Live Nativity, which was previously set by the people of Utah, USA in December 2014.

The joint effort by Calne Town Council and the Bible Society involved the entire town and costumes provided by the White Hart Hotel and their army of helpers ensured that the town broke the record.

"It made a huge difference," landlord Rebecca Leaning said. "They told us they were 25 people short so we started ripping and tearing sheets up to make more costumes. We had a bit of a chain going on and we were working so fast, we were not able to keep track of how many we made!

"Everybody came together and it was so beautiful to see. The record is special for the whole town and even people who did not bother with the night have said how wonderful it is. It is a year of miracles."

Participants on The Green were kept entertained in the cold with a performance by street performers Gareth Jones and Peter Mielniczek and live nativity by The Calne Players.

Mayor Coun Tom Rounds said: "What an extraordinary achievement and what a fantastic night. In rising to the challenge, the people of Calne have pulled together to show an amazing sense of community spirit. Everyone from the local laundrette, who gave us sheets for costumes; to the local pubs and hotels; schools and charities, played their part in making the day the success it has become.

"Most of all, the people of Calne – families and friends – did their bit by turning up on the night and joining in the spirit and fun of the event. It shows what communities can achieve when they come together."

Paul Williams, CEO of Bible Society, said: “People of faith, no faith and other faiths turned up tonight to celebrate the original Christmas story from the Bible. They had great fun, broke the world record and, we hope, brought the Bible to life.

"We hope people were reminded where the story came from and what it means to millions of Christians across the globe.”