KNITTED metre-high crib figures of the Holy Family, wise men and shepherds will be touring St Albans to publicise the cathedral's Christmas carol concerts.

Painstakingly knitted over 250 hours by Ann Hudson, the eight figures (Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, three wise men and two shepherds, have wooden bases and internal supports made by her husband, virger Peter Hudson.

In a twist on a tradition maintained by some churches of sending small knitted nativity figures from house to house, they will travel around shops and busy public places around St Albans, inviting people to come to the Carols on the Hour services from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, December 19.

Canon Stephen Lake said: “You can’t miss Christmas, but just in case anyone misses the story at the centre of Christmas, we are making it bigger.

“Now small children can look the crib scene figures in the eye and feel fully involved with the Christmas story. We owe a debt of thanks to Ann for all her hard work and devotion to this project.”