A nativity scene has been extraordinarily bought to life at a St Albans School by handcarved sculptures crafted from old classroom furniture.

The principal figures from the story of the birth of Christ have been displayed in the entrance hall of Nicholas Breakspear Catholic school in Colney Heath Lane.

The wooden figurines of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus in his manger and Angel Gabriel, crafted by the school's handyman Chris Reeves from old Teak science desks allocated for the tip , bear a startling resemblance to the traditionally perceived image of the original gospel characters.

Ella McCarthy, head of the Religious Education Department, said: "They are absolutely amazing. He did an amazing job; I have never seen anything like it.

"The pupils are amazed by it. They were in the workshop looking at it saying 'wow'. They think it's great."

The crib, which took about two months to complete, will be blessed by a priest later this week.