Former headteacher Chris Stephens has brought together the traditional customs and traditions of Christmas in a new book with a strong Pembrokeshire flavour.

In Christmas Box Chris has captured the spirit of the festive season of days gone by in words, pictures and photographs - a fascinating collection of material to appeal not only to contemporary children, but also to their parents and grandparents.

Having taught in Pembrokeshire for 20 years, I wanted to write a book that was about children and Christmas and Wales, explained Chris, who was head of Haverfordwest VC School between 1981 and 1991.

Now an advisory teacher for literacy in Pembrokeshire after a period lecturing at Trinity College, Carmarthen, he is very aware that tales of Welsh Christmas customs and Yuletide traditions in the country have been little documented in the English language.

The result is a beautifully-illustrated picture book which is a real treasure chest of material for Christmas-lovers of all ages.

Artists who carry out work for the books publishers, Gomer Press, were commissioned to illustrate the Christmas Box, and include Fran Evans, of Llangwm, and Pembroke Dock-educated Graham Howells, now of Llanelli, with the overall design by Olwen Fowler, of Roch.

Chris, who lives in Llawhaden, has also featured illustrations of traditional Christmas Boxes past by his 22-year-old son, Edmund, who works as a furniture maker.

A nativity scene from Pembroke Docks Albion Square School and a 1958 Christmas party picture from Haverfordwest VC School are sure to spark memories from local residents, along with a photograph of a Father Christmas visit to Ocky Whites in Haverfordwest.

Side by side with recollections of Welsh festive customs such as the Mari Llwyd, Calennig and New Years Water are Christmas folk tales, poems, pictures and memorabilia to give a delightful picture of the celebrations of bygone days.

Available in both English and Welsh, Christmas Box is distributed through the Welsh Books Council and is on sale at £6.95 in various outlets, including Ocky White, Haverfordwest, the Golden Sheaf Galllery in Narberth, and the towns Wilson Museum where its launch has just taken place.

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A present recalling times past: Chris Stephens with his new Christmas Box book. PICTURE: Western Telegraph