THEY came in their hundreds to create the world’s largest nativity scene.

Shepherds, kings, angels, Marys and Josephs, young and old, descended on a Southampton shopping centre in a record breaking attempt.

One by one they filed out of the Victory centre in Portswood to bring the Christmas message to the High Street They gathered in near freezing temperatures opposite Waitrose and drew crowds of shoppers to listen to an impromtu carol concert.

The resulting scene of 298 colourful nativity characters fell short of 567 people required to take the record but organisers remained pleased with the turnout.

Highfield Church in partnership with Portswood Church and the Victory Gospel Church Southampton had organised the festive event and appealed to local schools, organisations and the public to take part.

Sammy Jordan, children and families pastor at Highfield Church, said: “We might not have broken the record but amid all the doom and gloom headlines and busyness on the High Street we brought some fun, cheer and the Christmas story to the heart of the community.

“It was all about doing something on the High Street for the community, in the community.”