Children will be flocking to Royston this Christmas to take part in an advent trail.

The Nativity Sheep Trail, called Flock to the Shops, will see children searching out knitted sheep in Royston’s shops and noting their names on entry forms. Completed forms will be put into a draw to win prizes.

Flock to the Shops has been set up by Margaret McCormack and a team from Ignite Community Church.

She said: “We want children and families can have fun discovering the sequence of events that happened during Advent, when Jesus came to earth as a tiny baby. I thought the Royston shop keepers would love this project and there has been so much enthusiasm and all the participating shops are excited about naming their sheep.

“We have had many knitters getting involved with making the sheep, each with their own character. We hope people have a great time finding the flock.”

The sheep will be in the shops from December 2-December 15. Sheep Trail entry forms are available at Royston Library, Holland and Barrett, Ladds, and Stationery Cupboard. Entry forms will also be available at the Carols for the Community service, held at Coombes Community Centre on Sunday, December 1, 3pm.

All those who take part in the sheep trail will be invited to a prize giving and celebration for Flock to the Shops at the community Centre on Sunday, December 22, 3pm. All the sheep will be gathered for a special nativity scheme.

The church is also holding a Sheep Trail story-time session at Royston Library on Saturday, December 7, starting at 10.30am. All are welcome.