MARY and Joseph will be staying in Okehampton for several nights

on their way to Bethlehem . . .

It is all part of a novel idea taken up by All Saints Church in Okehampton.

The Mexican tradition of 'Posada' has been adapted by the Church Army and is spreading rapidly across the country as an unusual way for parishes to remember the story of Christmas.

'Posada' involves the Mary and Joseph figurines from the Christmas crib going on a 'journey' around the parish during Advent, staying in different families' homes.

'Posada' means 'inn' and the idea is based on a Mexican tradition in which children dressed as Mary and Joseph go around the village asking for a room.

Parishioners have signed up to host Mary and Joseph for a night on their journey to Bethlehem, which began on November 30. The figures have been delivered to each family taking part, who find a place of honour for them in their home for that day.

The project has also been opened out to include Okehampton children who attend the town's primary school.

Okehampton Team Rector the Rev Stephen Cook believes those providing hospitality for the miniature travellers may choose to light a candle and say the prayer which is provided with the figures as a way of welcoming the Christ child into their home at Christmas.

The next day the family takes Mary and Joseph on the next stage of the journey until finally the last family will bring them to church for the service on Christmas Eve, where they will be returned to the crib.

Mr Cook said: 'We are delighted at the way in which this has been received here and in other parishes in the Team with such enthusiasm. It is a lovely idea, which captures something of the true spirit of Christmas.'

One of the hosts of the Advent visitors was Roseanne Waddington of Albany Childcare in Station Road.

Mrs Waddington, who looked after Mary and Joseph in addition to her usual group of under-fives last Thursday, said there had been a 'very good response' to the idea from parishioners. 'Some people have had people go to their houses because they cannot have Mary and Joseph themselves, but they still want to see them, which has been nice,' she added.

Mary and Joseph are fully booked for this year, but Mr Cook says he is sure the church will be repeating the 'Posada' again next Advent.