AS the festive season continues proud parents were treated to a performance of the traditional story of Christmas with some extra festive songs.

Looking back at the photos behind this week’s headlines, we have photos of youngsters from the Little Bears Nursery at Brandeston Hall, the preparatory school for Framlingham College, performed their nativity play, with children portraying all the characters including Joseph, Mary, wise men, shepherds, angels and even the donkey.

Nursery bosses at Rendlesham Day Nursery were able to swap ideas about childcare with some special visitors this week as they were visited by a group of experts from Beijing in China. The project was set up by manager Jenna Hiles to improve the service they provide by gaining new ideas and support.

Impressive black and white photographs are just some of the stunning images currently on display as part of a latest exhibition. Members of the Suffolk Monochrome Group are showcasing their work at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester until December 31, showcasing subject matter that is varied, including landscapes, portraiture and abstract, as well as images of other genres.

There are worse ways to spend a crisp winter morning than on the picturesque River Deben and a seal has been spotted basking in the sun on an old tree trunk that floated down from Melton and got caught on moorings opposite the Woodbridge Boatyard.

The rare feat of getting a full set of all 60 proficiency and challenge tasks was completed thanks to three years of hard work by a keen Cub this week. Determined Jason Cooper, 11, set out on a mission to achieve all his badges after his Akela, Lesley Creasey, of 1st Kesgrave Scout Group, set him a challenge when he joined as an eight-year-old.

A brave 11-year-old boy who is recovering from his second bone marrow transplant has encouraged people to donate blood this week. Jack Driver, who suffers from a rare disorder which attacks his immune system said: “Donate blood and you will be a hero, donate bone marrow and you will be a superhero.”

The long-awaited Beccles loop finally opened this week, allowing an hourly service to run between Suffolk’s two largest towns.

The new service was opened with VIPs on the first new train from Lowestoft, but the fragility of the service was exposed as two level crossings broke down. That meant the train had to stop before passing them at walking pace – ultimately that made the train 10 minutes late into Ipswich.

The 1st & 3rd Stowmarket (Phoenix) Scouts are taking cards around Stowmarket and Combs Ford, bringing Christmas cheer to people via their own festive postal service. The Scouts are collecting the post from boxes dotted around the town and then delivering them.

Ipswich Town stars spread some Christmas cheer by visiting some very special supporters. Players Michael Chopra, Scott Loach, Josh Carson and Jack Ainsley were accompanied by ex-player Simon Milton for the festive visit at St Nicholas Hospice, in Bury St Edmunds.

Children attending Woodpeckers Nursery, in Melford Road, Sudbury, stepped into the limelight for the traditional nativity - and the audience of parents, relatives and friends loved it. Boys and girls, many of them aged just three years old, took part in their Christmas Nativity, held at the town’s Our Lady and St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in The Croft.

Marjorie Gilford toasted her 103rd birthday on Tuesday and has put her longevity down to “two happy marriages, faith and a dash of whisky”. Steve Harman, administrator at Garrett House Residential Home, said: “She’s really outgoing and lively for a 103-year-old. She’s got a wicked laugh and she’s always got a great hat on.”