A festive season surprise was in store for shoppers in Keighley town centre.

People in the Airedale Shopping Centre were entertained by a “Flash Mob Carol Service”, organised by a vicar.

He and his fellow Christians turned their regular Christmas carol service into something more inventive.

The Reverend Dr Jonathan Pritchard began the occasion by suddenly starting to sing O Come, All Ye Faithful, before other participants joined in.

The singers, who had posed as ordinary shoppers, then gathered for more carols. A couple playing the roles of Mary and Joseph emerged from a nearby café, carrying a real baby.

The event was planned by the Reverend Derek Walmsley, vicar of St Mark’s Church, Utley.

He said: “We had involvement from many different churches in the town, and we’re grateful to Steve Seymour, manager of the shopping centre, who gave us permission.

“The reaction of the public was amazing and there was a lovely atmosphere in the centre at a time when many people are quite stressed.”

Mary and Joseph were played by Andy and Jody Webster, with their four-month-old son Daniel playing Jesus.

Jody said “Andy was getting cold feet the night before. It’s not every day you have to dress up and walk through a packed shopping centre carrying Jesus!”