A LIVE Christmas crib featuring donkeys, a sheep and goats, has opened in a Belfast city centre church.
St Mary's Church on Chapel Lane is hosting its special nativity scene for the seventh year.
People from the area are playing the roles of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and three wise men.
The baby Jesus will be placed in the manger on Christmas Eve.
The three wise men will arrive on January 5.
The crib is open from 10.30am to 6pm every day and to 8pm on December 19 and 23.
Carols will be sung daily at 2pm and 5pm. Prayers for peace will also be said every day.
Donkeys from Kinedale Farm in Ballynahinch, Co Down, which is part of the Irish Donkey Society, will take part in the crib.
Donkeys Pongo; Peanuts; Denis; Daisy; Oberon; Tomty; Fudge; Dougal; Tinkerbell and donkey foal Pixie, along with Tinsel the goat, Holly the sheep and goat kids Hector and Archie will take part.
Amanda Wallace, from the Irish Donkey Society, said: "Kinedale Donkeys and the Irish Donkey Society are delighted to provide animals for the Living Crib again this year".
"The donkey is part of the nativity as we are told in the Bible and the joy these humble animals bring to so many people at this time of year is heartwarming," she said.
All proceeds from the crib go towards Tuesday's Child's Christmas appeal.
The Following Yonder Star appeal is this year raising money for children living in extreme hardship in Syria, Gaza, Kenya and Sudan.
Orla Sheehan, the charity's founder, said the live nativity "brings great joy to people of all ages and all walks of life".
"We hope the crib will bring the true meaning of Christmas and peace and joy to many people again this year, especially to children," she said.
"Most of all, we hope that the live crib will bring joy to many children in parts of the world who are ravaged by war and extreme poverty."
