Their parents might be more nervous than they are, but for hundreds of the district’s children this is the special time of year when they get to stretch their acting muscles for the first time.

The school Nativity play is a magic moment for performers, teachers and audience alike, and each year we try to capture these events in photos.

You’ll find kings and wise men, shepherds and angels, donkeys and sheep, and of course a host of Marys and Josephs in a selection of pictures from some of the district’s schools in the online galleries attached to this story.

We hope you enjoy our celebration of the true meaning of Christmas, and thanks to Cuthberts Toys in St Albans for their sponsorship.