A live camel took to the streets of Melksham in a spectacular nativity procession.

Therese was the star as the procession, which also included a donkey, as it made its way from Queensway Chapel to Brookside Care Home in Ruskin Avenue.

Saturday’s procession was organised by Esther Thomas, the manager of the home, as a treat for its 50 residents.

Mrs Thomas said: “I organised it on behalf of the Orders of St John Care Trust. It’s something I did a few years ago at another home. I wanted to give our residents a real taste of Christmas, something different.

“I was fortunate enough to have Therese to come down here because I’ve had links with Lady Chichester (Therese’s owner) in the past. She is so beautiful and so spectacular. Her grooms came and walked the route and said it was practical.

“The churches offered to help, the town council offered to help. Terri Welch from the town council organised the road closures. The family of churches was very interested.”

About 200 people watched the procession and brought in £150 for Dementia UK.

Carols were sung, with the support of the Corsham Band, when they reached Brookside.

Residents were able to meet Therese and a donkey, which was taken inside.

Mrs Thomas said: “I think we probably will do it again, if we get the sort of response we did this time. It was wonderful.

“Our residents loved it. Some came outside all wrapped up, some walked with the procession and lots came outside for the carols afterwards.”

On Sunday, members of Core Church in Bowerhill transformed Bowerhill School’s hall into Bethlehem.

As part of the Bethlehem Village event, a donkey and sheep were brought in and children talked to shepherds, stroked sheep and patted the donkey.

They were also able to visit the village inn and make a Christingle.

The leader of the church, Gavin Owen, said: “All the kids got a passport, which they took around Bethlehem and got stamped in each area.

“I think there were 100-plus people there, which is a good turnout.

“I think people like doing something proper Christmassy at Christmas – we called it an interactive Nativity experience.”