Shocked shoppers were treated to a display of real live camels in Braintree’s George Yard.

The camels, decorated in ornaments as they would have been ridden by the three wise men making their way to Bethlehem, attracted crowds of children and adults alike.

Two hundred lucky people were selected from a draw to ride them up and down a section of the shopping centre from 9am today.

The camels were brought to town by Joseph’s Amazing Camels, based near Stratford-upon-Avon.

James Tuffen, who works for the firm, said: “The kids are absolutely loving it but some of the adults are enjoying themselves more than the children.

“It’s been drawing in a lot of attention, people are enjoying taking pictures of them and stroking them."

See the Braintree and Witham Times on Thursday for a picture special.