The Valencian Association of Nativity Scene Creators (Asociación de Belenistas de Valencia) unveiled a nativity scene with a difference yesterday - with Joseph holding the baby Jesus and Mary resting.

According to Francisco José Pérez Moreno, president of the Association, they have tried to "give Joseph a more important role as he has always been in the background up until now and also to represent husbands of today who help around the home and share childcare with their spouses".

"This way," he added, "society is reflected in nativity scenes".  He said that he and his colleagues hoped "that people would get the message".

The nativity scene (Belén) can be visited until January 6th in the Sala de Exposiciones de L'Almoina in Valencia.  The figures are 24cm high and have been made by hand.