Toby the donkey led Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus through the twisting lanes of Mere in the Walking Crib Service on Christmas Eve.

Families with children dressed as characters from the Nativity, stood on their doorsteps to watch the procession. On the same night, the winners of the Christmas lights competition were announced, with a collection for the Footpath Group.

Brian and Deborah Cammack of Halfway, North Road came first, winning the Shield and two bottles of wine.
Geoff and Pat Sams were awarded second place, winning a bottle of wine for their lights at 38 Lynch Close. Richard and Rose Adams at 8 Denes Avenue came third, also winning a bottle of wine.

Mr and Mrs Overton of Oaktree House, Limpers Hill came fourth and Dick and Brenda Morris, who have raised £120 for the Link Scheme, came fifth for their lights at 47 Downside Close.

George Jeans said: “Social spacing helped by masking enabled Mere Parish Council chairman Clive Hazzard present the annual Christmas Lights Shield and a prize to Brian and Deborah Cammack on behalf of Mere Town Council, thanking them for helping to cheer up this Christmas period with a great display.

“The young and the old enjoyed the occasion.”

Support Us

Thank you all so, so much for the love and appreciation you’ve shown us since we launched the New Blackmore Vale.

Please show your support and add a review on our Facebook page or on Google.