Homeless children stage nativity play

The children performed in front of the residents at the centre

A cast of 40 homeless children put on their own version of the Christmas nativity play in Flintshire on Thursday.

The youngsters all live with their families at a special residential centre in Oakenholt, in Mold.

For us it is very special because we have the story of a homeless babe and it is being acted by homeless children

Edna Speed, Save the Family

The Save the Family unit caters for more than 120 people - including 70 children - from across the region and is the only charity of its kind in Wales.

The organisation ensures families are kept together, rather than being on the streets, or separated and placed in care.

Edna Speed, founder and chairperson of the group, said the Christmas story was particularly poignant for people at the centre.

"For us it is very special because we have the story of a homeless babe and it is being acted by homeless children," she said.

"It couldn't be more pertinent."

Plas Bellin Hall is set in 10 acres of land

The unit at Plas Bellin Hall provides an idyllic location for vulnerable members of society.

Set in 10-and-a-half acres of land the development boasts a main house surrounded by converted barns and a number of three to four-bedroom houses.

Ms Speed said: "The most important aspect of the development is a specialised children's education centre staffed by experienced teachers and nursery nurses.

"This is vital to these children because many of them have lost large chunks of their mainstream education."

The large majority of our parents have been through the care system and many of them bear deep emotional scars

Edna Speed

The unit is equipped with a room for crafts, music and drama and also a space filled with pictures and tactile objects designed to help children explore their emotions.

It also has an adult education centre, a fully-equipped demonstration kitchen, a parenting craft room and computer facilities.

Ms Speed said the need for such care was great.

"The large majority of our parents have been through the care system and many of them bear deep emotional scars," she said.

"We never have a cold bed - as soon as one family moves out we have another one waiting to move in - it is very sobering."

The charity provides support and practical aid to help families to rebuild their lives and help them resettle into the community.