A NATIVITY scene handcrafted by children has been restored to provide a traditional touch to a village's Christmas celebrations.

Young artists at Elton High School repaired the delicate figures which were created by pupils of the now-closed Affetside Primary, with the help of villagers Doug Wright and Kenneth Moore.

The scene, depicting the Christmas story, was established for the first time last year, next to Affetside village's Christmas tree on the Millennium Green.

But when it came to putting up the nativity scene again this year, villagers found that the past 12 months had taken their toll on the handmade figures. And with the closure of the primary school, Affetside Society enlisted the help of Elton High School.

Joanne Wilcock, chairman of Affetside Society, said: "Not wishing to lose the figures and their historical links with the school, we approached Elton High School, which has been awarded the prestigious Artsmark award, to see if it could help our rural community solve its problem.

"I know from first-hand experience that the quality of their art work is excellent, second to none. We are extremely pleased with the great job the pupils have done on behalf of the community."

Under the watchful eye of the school's head of art, Gina Holt, young artists Charlotte Southwell (13); Emma Dutton (14); Helen Williams (13), Sophie Davidson (13) and Mary Ann Louden (12), a former pupil of Affetside Primary who had worked on the original figures, carried out the delicate repairs.

Mrs Holt said: "It was a pleasure to help the Affetside Society and allow our pupils to use their art skills.

"We have worked hard over the past year to help the community and enjoy helping in any way we can."

In appreciation of the pupils' help, Affetside Society is to make a contribution towards Elton High's bid to attain specialist status as an arts college.