Where: Gloucester Cathedral

When: Thursday, December 6, 3pm, until Thursday, January 10

Gloucester's ever popular knitted Nativity will be welcomed back to the city's Cathedral this afternoon (Thursday) by Gloucester Rugby players.

The heart-warming knitted Nativity will arrive at 3pm today and will remain in pride of place on display in the Cathedral daily until Thursday, January 10.

Gloucester Rugby has confirmed that the whole Knitivity display will be carried in to the Cathedral by Gloucester rugby players. To add some mystery to this exciting event the club will keep the players' identities under wraps until this afternoon.

Highlighting the important Nativity story in a colourful and accessible way, the Knitivity shares messages of hope and unity through its unique creation by community groups across the county.

The collaborative display promotes crafting for wellbeing and provides Cathedral visitors with a festive display throughout Advent.

2018 marks further development of the display with a new Ox - named Orlando Bloom - joining the existing figures. Orlando has been lovingly crafted by the Brandon Trust and is due to be delivered by local police.

Connections with Gloucester Rugby Community Charity are growing as Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester City Mission announce a new partnership project providing new walking rugby sessions for those impacted by, and at risk of, homelessness in the city.

The sessions will begin at Gloucester Cathedral from January 2019, led by Gloucester Rugby community coaches and supported by experienced staff from Gloucester City Mission.

Helen Chu, community education and funding manager at Gloucester Rugby, said: "We are proud to team up with Gloucester City Mission and the Cathedral to create a Homeless rugby team.

"We want to provide a safe and inclusive environment where people who may feel vulnerable due to being homeless have the opportunity to feel part of the community and a part of Gloucester Rugby."

As part of the Cathedral's community engagement programme, the project is a further step towards raising awareness around homelessness and developing opportunities for those in need to build confidence, share experiences and develop life skills and knowledge for the future.