SCHOOLCHILDREN found a novel way of telling the Christmas story - by acting out the First World War truce between Britain and Germany.

It was part of an annual church service for the primary schools in Peebles on the last day of term before Christmas.

Parents and teachers joined the youngsters from Priorsford, Kingsland and Halyrude primary schools last Friday for the celebration in the Old Parish Church.

Each year one of the three schools takes the lead role in the service - and this time it was Priorsford’s turn.

The service was led by the chaplains of Priorsford, the Rev Barry Hughes and the Rev Jim Benton-Evans, who wore matching school hoodies for the occasion.

“The idea is that we try to find a different way of telling the Christmas story,” said Mr Hughes. “We are aiming to find something that engages the children rather just carols and a traditional service.

“The P7s from Priorsford acted out the Christmas-time truce between Britain and Germany in the First World War. It was all about showing that there can be peace and goodwill at this time of year.

“The church was packed with parents, teachers and children and it was a great way to start the school holidays.” Later there was a Christmas service for Peebles High School which was mainly organised by the pupils themselves.