Covers Timber & Builders Merchant in Southampton has donated materials to Shirley Warren Action Church to help it create a silhouette Nativity scene.

The builders’ merchant, which is based on Empress Road, provided sheets of plywood to the church, which has built the life-size display on the grass in its grounds. During the evening, the display is lit up and receives visitors from across the community with many of them taking photographs.

Reverend Jenny Elliott from Shirley Warren Action Church said:

“It felt very important to have a visual picture of the Nativity, which represents the true meaning of Christmas, outside for all the community to see.  Due to the many restrictions placed on indoor worship, and because our outdoor Nativity scene was sadly subjected to an arson attack in 2015, we all felt a strong need to create something outside where people could come and go freely whenever they wanted.”

Michael Sheath, Depot Manager of Covers Southampton, added:

“At Covers we are always happy to support projects in our community so we were delighted to get involved with Shirley Warren Action Church to help them create their wonderful Nativity display. We are sure it will bring joy to visitors throughout the festive season.”