A FIREBOMBED village Nativity has risen from the ashes, after residents refused to give in to the yobs.

Last Christmas Eve in shocking scenes, thugs were captured on CCTV torching the £10,000 Nativity scene at the bus stop opposite Raglan’s Beaufort Hotel.

A man was seen throwing what appeared to be a petrol bomb at the Nativity, which instantly bursts into a ball of flame around 9.45pm.

But Beaufort owner, Miguel Santiago, pledged afterwards: “We are not beaten and we rise like a phoenix from the ashes in 2021.

“We’ve already got fantastic plans for something bigger and better for 2021.”

And sure enough, on Monday December 13 a life-size Mary and Joseph, kings, shepherds, and sheep all moved into a new ‘stable’ at the Beaufort to await for the big day to arrive.

Miguel posted: “A group arrived in Raglan on Monday night looking for a place to stay – luckily we found them a space and they have now settled in to our makeshift stables at the coaching inn.

“The Raglan Nativity scene has risen again after the devastating events of last Christmas, and is now rehomed at the Beaufort, Raglan.

“As ever the team has worked tirelessly over many months to create the scene, especially Liz Friendship who has once again crafted the amazing figures.

“We are expecting a baby in the coming weeks too… If you are around the village why not come and say hello to our new visitors.”

The Nativity was first put up in 2018, but was targeted by killjoy thieves in its first two years as well, with Mary being stolen in 2018 and two shepherds going walkabout in 2019.

Last time the figures were fixed to the spot so they couldn’t be taken and CCTV installed, but no one expected it to be firebombed.

The life-size figures of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and three Shepherds were completely destroyed in the blaze, although the Three Kings which were stood beside the shelter were saved.

The fire was originally blamed on an electrical fault, but villagers were shocked when the CCTV was examined and showed two figures at the scene before one set it ablaze.

Sadly, despite a £2,500 reward, the culprits were never tracked down and prosecuted.

But the village refused to be beaten, with a £1,000 donation and a £600 online collection launching the campaign at the start of 2021 for a new Nativity, designed again by retired local theatre designer Liz.

Delighted locals posted their joy this week, Megan Neale saying: “Fab news to have them back, thank you so much for all your efforts for our village. My daughter was asking only the other day if they were coming back, she will be so happy and I will bring her to see x.” Mary E Tidley added: “Fantastic. What a beautiful scene for us all to enjoy. The hard work is obvious and I’m sure very much appreciated by us all. Thank you all involved.”