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Balloon nativity display outside Zion Baptist Church in Tenterden

19:00, 25 November 2017

updated: 19:27, 25 November 2017

A nativity display made out of balloon models has left people bursting with happiness.

The unusual take on the traditional story is standing proudly outside Zion Baptist Church in Tenterden High Street.

It was created by artist Richard Renouf, who is life-long friends with church pastor, Rev Neal Stanton.

The nativity display outside Zion Baptist Church in Tenterden. Picture courtesy @TenterdenTown
The nativity display outside Zion Baptist Church in Tenterden. Picture courtesy @TenterdenTown

Mr Stanton said creating the display has taken two days, with Mr Renouf staying overnight to work on his creation. Each figure takes around two hours to make.

They also stand under special UV lights so night-time visitors can enjoy the scene.

Young visitors have been entranced by the figures.
Young visitors have been entranced by the figures.

He added: "My friend, Richard, is a furniture restorer by trade, but I knew he made these balloon models.

"He has only done a display like this only four times and this is the first time anything like this has been done in Tenterden. It was a little bit last-minute, but it has all come together really nicely.

Mary looking after baby Jesus.
Mary looking after baby Jesus.

"We unveiled it last night at the lights switch-on and it is a new way of promoting the story behind it. We will also be hosting a pop-up Nativity on Sunday, December 17, at 10.30am."

But you'll have to be quick if you want to catch the balloon scene. The characters will only be on show until tomorrow's church service, where the individual pieces will be given away.

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