DISAPPOINTED city residents are perplexed after two of Worcester's best-loved Nativity scenes have disappeared from their usual sites.

The life-like display normally found outside the Guildhall, which is owned by Churches Together in Worcester, has been removed after less than a week.

It is understood following the disbanding of the organisation, there were not enough volunteers to organise the maintenance and insurance of the Nativity scene.

Frank Percival, of the organisation, said he was hopeful it would return next year.

The CrownGate Centre Nativity scene, usually placed between Boots and Debenhams, has also been moved and replaced with a tree. Its absence frustrated several visitors.

"The children loved the Nativity, especially the animals. I spent an hour looking for it, but couldn't find it," a disappointed shopper said.

It has been moved to Angel Mall, outside Vision Express. The manager, Carolyn Mantle, said its new position protected the tableau from vandalism. It is supplemented by a secular display, which features singing mice, Santa's grotto and flying reindeer. There is also another Nativity scene in the window of The Entertainer.

Nativity scenes have become the subject of national controversy. The John Lewis Group caused outrage when it removed the Joseph figure from scenes in its stores. Red Cross staff were this year ordered not to set up window displays with Christian symbols, but the organisation denied it was trying to "ban" Christmas.

City Council spokesman Bob Blandford stressed the Nativity scenes had not been moved because of complaints from non-Christian groups.

Nicola Currie, of the Worcester Diocese, was disappointed shoppers had been unable to find the Nativity scenes.

"We would like to remind people that there is a Nativity scene in the old Bishop's Palace in Deansway, as well as in many Worcester churches," she said.