A DONKEY and sheep have taken centre stage at a Christmas Carol concert with a difference at a livestock market.

It was standing room only at Ayr Mart last week as around 250 people of all ages came together to sing classics like O Come All Ye Faithful, Away in a Manger and Once in Royal David’s City.

Organised by Rev Chris Blackshaw, the Church of Scotland’s only dedicated minister for the farming community, the “uplifting” evening began with the animals and choir being piped into the ring by Bagpiper, Aaron Wardrop.

There were meditations and Bible readings, delivered by local people and music by Crossraguel Choir and Ceilidh band, The Rural Revellers.

Bright and colourful Christmas trees and a wreath added some festive sparkle to the ring.

Mr Blackshaw, who is employed by the Presbytery of Ayr to support the region’s farming community, sang O Holy Night to mark the moment when Jesus, the Son of God was born in a stable in Bethlehem.

Mr Blackshaw said: “The Carol Service was a great success, around 250 attended and it was standing room only.

“Christmas is always a special time for so many people and I have been very pleasantly surprised by the faith that exists amongst the farming community.

“The celebration was an opportunity to bring people together to hear the Christmas story and it seems to touch people in a special way.”