Villagers in Amberley celebrate with special Nativity motorcade

Seventeen vehicles took part with most of them open-top. They ranged from a 1909 Renault and a 1927 Rolls-Royce to Austin Healeys, plus a Jaguar XK120, Triumph TR3A, an original AC Cobra, Mini Moke, Land Rover and a small assortment of saloons.

They started at Amberley Station and drove via Rackham and Crossgates, and then around Amberley village.

The procession was led by a Bethlehem star-bearing motorcyclist = Phil O’Beirne - followed by a holy family – Steve and Charlie Dalmon and 10-month-old Honey in the back of a Ford truck.

They were followed by the ‘Angel Gabrielle’ and an assortment of angel taxis, shepherds, neighbours, friends and three kings (Paul Noon, Jeremy Judd and Jay Simson), with two ‘Press’ Minis bringing up the rear (Roger and Olivia Agate).

Organiser Hazel Allinson was delighted everyone dressed for the occasion, including kings, angels and shepherds.

“Christmas in Amberley wouldn’t be the same without the Christmas Eve journey,” said St Michael’s churchwarden Mel Edge, adding that it was fortunate that The motorcade was able to go ahead before the Tier 4 Covid restrictions were imposed on Boxing Day.

“It was a real delight and made us all smile,” added spectator Fraser Wheeler.

Earlier this year, the village organised a successful ‘Amberley Revival’ to compensate for the cancellation of the Goodwood event.

A similar event is being planned for 2021.