Local children are the stars of a new book from professional photographer Richard Surman.

Mr Surman, of Ledbury, well known for his best-selling The Times Book of Church Cats, has attempted to capture the fun, magic and mishaps of a typical Nativity Play.

The youngsters who dressed up for Children's Nativity were from Ledbury Nursery School, Eastnor C of E Primary, Much Marcle C of E Primary, Ashperton Primary and Bromesberrow Primary.

Mr Surman said: "I wonder how many proud parents have sat with lumps in their throats as they watched their children acting out the story of the Nativity.

"Everything in this book has been suggested and made by the children who took part, sometimes reluctantly, combined with anecdotes of past Nativity plays.

"So in every sense this book belongs to the children, and I am obliged to them for such exuberant input."

The book makes use of full colour images and a simple account of the Nativity, suitable for young and old alike.

It also has "dialogue" from the young performers, sometimes not clearly from the script but in line with the real life experience of school productions.

Classics include "It's not a real baby" and "I didn't say Frankenstein, I said Frankincense".

The book is published by Harper Collins priced at £12.99.