You don’t need to be a sheep rustler, but a sharp pair of eyes will definitely come in handy when next joining the flock in St Albans city centre.

Members of Dagnall Street Baptist Church have knitted 12 cute sheep which have been hidden in various shops for children to find in the lead-up to Christmas.

For a fortnight from Saturday (30) the woollen animals will be lurking in local businesses.

Youngsters have been invited to obtain a free list from the church, at the Cross Street centre in Upper Dagnall Street, naming the 12 sheep, including Shaun and Barbara, for them to locate in shops.

Church minister Rev Simon Carver said: “This is a simple introduction to Christmas when shepherds, representing ordinary people, were the first to see the newborn baby Jesus.”

He said local businesses - independents and chain stores - had been keen to support the idea and help provide a hiding place for the knitted sheep.

There will be small rewards for completed lists.