A RECORD number of shepherds and wise men came together in St Mary’s, Mildenhall, in Suffolk, after a call-out to the community.

A total of 2392 nativity sets were on display at the church over Christmas, and, on 3 January, it was announced that a new world record had been set. Sets were donated by businesses, schools, and the library, as well as residents, and neighbouring churches.

“They brought them from near and far,” the Team Vicar, the Revd Sue Leathley, said.

Many of the nativity sets were made by hand, using a wide variety of craft techniques. The display attracted “more visitors than we’ve ever had”, Ms Leathley said.

The previous world record was 2150, set by a church in Florida in 2010. This was more than Ms Leathley had expected when she set out on the project, and an “extra push” was required to take the record.

A final count of the collected Holy Families took place on 3 January, before the figures were returned to their owners. The Mayor of Mildenhall, Russell Leaman, and the Deputy Mayor, Grace Bristow, took part in the count, which it is hoped will be verified by Guinness World Records.