THE stage debut of a pair of donkeys was thwarted after their head collars were stolen the evening before their big night.

The showbiz donkeys were due to make their grand entrance at Christmas 2000, the outdoor community nativity play held in Clitheroe Castle grounds, organised by a group of residents to celebrate the millennium.

But owner Cath Williams, who keeps the animals at Up Brooks, in Clitheroe, had to tell organisers that the show would have to go on without them after the theft.

"It would have been lovely to have had the donkeys. It was all arranged to have them led in to the castle grounds but no-one expected the head collars would be stolen," said Roger Hirst, one of the organisers and member of Clitheroe Rotary Club.

Despite the hiccup, the performance went on to provide a magical atmosphere for the 150 or so people in the audience.

The backdrop of a floodlit Clitheroe provided the setting for the 35-strong cast as they performed the first of their three evening shows on Monday evening. The town's churches joined forces to create the unique performance which was choreographed by Margaret Smith.

The performance, lasting around 20 minutes, began with a gathering of the cast at the castle gates.

They then formed a procession to the bandstand in the castle grounds where the story of Christmas was recited in the form of carols.

And although the donkeys were unable to make an appearance, there were several extras from the animal kingdom present, including prize winning sheep owned by Mr Hibbert and a horse.

Several familiar faces from around the borough were spotted in the cast.

Ribble Valley Mayor Coun Chris Holtom played the part of one of the kings, as too did the Rev Herrick Daniel, vicar of St Barnabas Church, Blackburn.

Clitheroe Mayor Coun Alan Yearing took the part of one of the wise men and Ribble Valley Council's chief planning officer Stewart Bailey could well have been recognised behind the guise of a shepherd. "The whole evening just gelled and was magical," said Mr Hirst.