CHILDREN are being invited to look out for knitted sheep in Okehampton shops that have ‘escaped’ from the parish church.

No fewer than 32 woolly sheep have been distributed at venues around the town for children to find.

They need to be identified so they can be safely returned to All Saints’ Parish Church in time for the crib service at 4pm on Christmas Eve.

Youngsters are invited to record the names of the sheep in a booklet, also telling the story of the nativity, from any shop where they see a sheep or from Toast Coffee Shop on Market Street.

• Pictured right are The Rev Stephen Cook and Bishop of Plymouth the Rt Rev Nick McKinnel with the sheep at All Saints’ Church, Okehampton.