Nativity story goos local

The nativity story of Mary, Joseph and the Babby Jaesus will be brought to life in a Black Country accent during a popular church service this Christmas.

St John's Church in Tipton will host the festive favourite on December 15 at 7pm. The event has been going for 18 years and is always a hit with locals. On the night, nine readers boasting the finest Black Country accents around will recite the nativity story before people enjoy a round of Christmas carols.

Organiser Ray Brothwood, chairman of Tipton Civic Society, will be reciting some of the story. "It's a really great night and the church is always packed to the rafters," he said. "People can just turn up on the night and we promise them an evening filled with laughter and festive cheer. It's always great to hear the Bible stories read in the dialect of the Black Country."

Mr Brothwood said it was important to preserve the history of the Black Country, especially the dialect.

He added said anyone having difficulty in understanding the language would be able to get translations from members of the society. He said: "It's something that we do every year and it is always popular. We'll be teaching folk to spake proppa." In the past, Tipton Civic Society has even given school nativity plays the Black Country treatment. In 2005, the group worked with St Martin's CofE Primary School on a bostin' nativity play, which saw the three wise men dressed in cloth caps and clogs and the babby Jaesus born in a Banks's pub.

Mr Brothwood, aged 70, was awarded an MBE last year for his tireless community work. St John's Church is in Upper Church Lane, Tipton.