Instead of lying in a manger, baby Jesus will be lying in a shopping trolley.

The scene is designed to be more contemporary, and has been put together by children from Haywood School in Hereford with the help of students from the city's college of art and design.

Officials at the cathedral, which dates back to AD542, say they want the scene to be more relevant to modern-day life.

'Thought provoking'

The Very Reverend Michael Tavinor, dean of the cathedral, told BBC News Online: "When I came here I was told we needed a new crib because the old one was worn out.

"I went to the college of art and design for help and I told them to interpret the Christmas story in their view so the idea of the shopping trolley came from them.

"It is challenging and not everyone will warm to it but it reminds us that the Christmas story took place in uncomfortable circumstances - it wasn't cosy and traditional.

"The nativity scene is definitely thought provoking."

Recycled materials were used by the children involved in the nativity project.

DeanTavinor said: "The comments I have had so far have been positive."