Nativity record claimed by a cast of 788

A Somerset church may have broken the world record for the most people in a nativity scene.

Some 788 local residents – most dressed as shepherds, angels and wise men – took part in the event, organised by Welton Baptist Church and held on the main street at Midsomer Norton. The mayor, Paul Myers, said stewards kept a count, which needs to be verified by Guinness World Records before becoming official.

The current record stands at 567 people for a nativity scene held in Sassi di Matera, Italy, which took place three days after Christmas last year. The minimum number of people required for a Guinness-approved nativity is thee: Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.