A RETIRED carpenter in London Colney has unveiled his Nativity scene this year and is hoping to spread festive cheer by inviting people to come along and see it.

Benito Mazzarella, 69, decks the porch of his house with a giant nativity scene each year to help capture the festive flavour. The scene, which takes Benito a few months to complete, is extremely detailed with background mountains, herds of sheep and characters such as the Three Kings and shepherds.

Benito, who lives at 146 High Street in London Colney after moving to the area 40 years ago, grew up in Italy and said he remembers creating nativity scenes at his local church in Naples as a child. “It was always an important part of the festivities and I want to share this tradition with others because Christmas is such a wonderful time. I really love creating the scene but I want people to know that they are welcome to come and see it – I really want to share it with them.”

He said people were invited to enjoy his artwork and share a cup of tea with him throughout the festive period.