A Lancashire town’s nativity parade has been saved after locals clamoured against an apparent attempt to ban its use of donkeys.

Atherton, between Wigan and Bolton, hosts an annual Christmas procession featuring nativity characters and donkeys.

The animals are typically dressed up with Christmas-themed adornments and are used to give rides to kids who are part of the procession.

On Friday the councillor for the area said the event would have to be axed, blaming Wigan Council.

Cllr Stuart Gerrard said ‘decision made’ by the authority meant animals could not be used.

Since the last-minute decision left insufficient time to rework the parade, it would have to be axed, he added.

The move sparked an outcry, with residents accusing the council of threatening the town’s ‘traditions and free

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