A drive-in cinema will be installed at Weymouth’s Park and Ride to showcase a locally-filmed version of Nativity on a giant screen and bring some much-needed Christmas magic to the town.

A 10-metre screen will be installed at the site to allow people to enjoy the Nativity story from the comfort of their cars, amid the Covid pandemic, on December 15, 16 and 17.

A total of 140 cars will be allowed on to the site each night.

Volunteers from churches across Weymouth and Portland have come together to bring the festive plans to life.

Dorset Council has given permission for the event to be staged, and members of Refresh (Weymouth and Portland churches in Action) have applied to Weymouth Town Council for £2,810 towards the total £6,550 cost.

Filmed during strict Covid regulations, two families are playing the parts of the familiar groups of wise men and shepherds.

Mike and Wendy Petitdemange, who are directing and filming the production, said: “Filming during Covid-19 restrictions has been quite a challenge but people have put in tremendous effort to help us tell the greatest story ever told.

"The event has had great support from Weymouth Town Council and Dorset Council."

Cherry Clarke, from Refresh, said: “My husband Nick had the idea to film and show a giant screen Nativity and we’ve been so encouraged by everyone’s response.

"People have really pulled together to make it happen. The support we’ve had from the local churches and councils has been wonderful.

"It is so important that people have something to look forward to, especially this Christmas, and the story of the birth of Jesus is one that brings hope - something we all need”.

Once all parts of the production have been edited together the finished Nativity, complete with carols, will run for around an hour ready to be shown on the giant screen. Screenings will take place at 6pm on each night.

Tickets are £5 per car and are available here

Each car will be given a goody bag containing crafts, pen and paper for interactive activities which organisers say will have been prepared more than 72 hours in advance to ensure they are not contaminated.

They insisted the event would be completely Covid-19 safe and would meet any future regulations as people will be remaining in their own cars.