When you’re window-shopping around Abergavenny this Christmas, keep your eyes peeled for something a little different.

Businesses around the town are lending their support to Cornerstone Church’s free Nativity Trail, which runs from December 11 to 19.

The trail is a series of brightly decorated stars, each telling a different part of the Christmas story, displayed in the windows of homes and businesses around the town centre.

Each wooden star has been beautifully hand-made and decorated by Cornerstone church members and there is a goodie bag at the end for everyone who completes it.

The trail has been organised by Cornerstone member and mum-of-three, Gill Kirkman. She said: “The Easter trail we did in the town earlier this year seemed to be a big success with people who wanted to do something fun to celebrate the season, but in a way that connected them to the real reason for it.

“We’re hoping this Nativity Trail will strike the same chord. It’s a free, fun and festive thing to do, but we also hope that by telling a familiar story in a different way, people might think again about who this baby was, and why his birth was so significant. It’s the amazing true story of God coming down to earth to live with us.”

The Church, which meets at Deri View Primary School for its Sunday morning meeting, has had to be creative again this Christmas due to the impact of Covid on its normal festive events.

They will be hoping to repeat the success of their Abergavenny Christmas Special programme, which was viewed over 1500 times on YouTube last year.

This year, the professionally-edited, 30-minute feature will reveal some of the stops on the trail and promises to once again show the town at its beautiful, festive best.

The pastor, Jonathan Thomas, said: “With so many people unable to get out to a carol service, shielding, or isolating, it was important to us that we did something that was available for everyone.

“And even if you’re someone who would never normally attend a traditional church service, the programme will be an accessible way to enjoy some carols and hear some Abergavenny stories of hope.”

The Nativity Trail can be done anytime, but will look its best when lit up in the evening.

The Abergavenny Christmas Special will be available on YouTube from 6pm today (Sunday December 12).