A PRISONER serving a life sentence at a Lancashire jail has painted a Christmas gift for a Ribble Valley church.

The crib at St John's Church, Hurst Green, has a brand-new nativity scene backdrop, thanks to an inmate known only as 'Dave,' who is serving his sentence at Wymott Prison, near Leyland.

The prisoner is a prolific artist specialising in religious painting and his work already adorns the inside of the chapel at Wymott Prison.

Members of St John's saw the scene, measuring six foot by three, when they took part in their annual carol service.

Church organist Stewart Whillis, of Fernleigh, Leyland, has played the organ at Wymott Prison chapel for more than a decade.

He asked Dave to come to the rescue after deciding the crib scene at St John's needed sprucing up.

"Dave discovered he had artistic talent when he came into prison and has painted numerous scenes for the chapel at Wymott.

"I asked him to paint the backdrop for the crib in our nativity play and within a few weeks he had produced the goods. He is a prolific artist. He is a talented lad and the backdrop is wonderful. It is painted on cloth, so we will be able to re-use it every year.

"We are very grateful to him for his efforts," he said.

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