Pricey nativity costumes

According to a leading department store there has been a increase in the number of parents spending £150 or more on items to ensure their child is the best dressed in their school nativity.

In what the shop has dubbed "manger chic", panicked mums and dads have apparently been snapping up brand new ivory white bridesmaid dresses, at a cool £40, to transform their little girls into angels, £60 faux fur throws for children lucky enough to be given the role of "sheep", and grey fleecy hooded duffle coats at £14.

When ears are added to the latter it is said to make the perfect "donkey" costume.

The department store who spotted the trend two weeks ago at the start of nativity play rehearsals, puts it down to parents' obsession with getting their children into the best schools.

For full report please read article on following link http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/mortarboard/2009/dec/03/manger-chic-nativity-plays