57 Suffolk schools have contributed art work to the project. Some of the 'Mary's', 'Joseph's', 'baby Jesus'', 'shepherd's' and 'wise men' are life sized. Others figures are creations of twigs and sticks picked up in school grounds, while one school knitting and sewing club has produced the clothes to dress the characters in its crib.
"We are delighted with the number of schools who have become involved in the project," says Helen Woodroffe, the Children's Officer for the diocese. "It has enabled many children to explore the real meaning of Christmas and connect with our churches."
The project aims to integrate the art curriculum with children's expression of their spirituality as part of the National Year of the Child celebrations and runs until 4th December.
Di Kennedy a teacher at the St Louis Catholic Middle School Bury St Edmunds says, "The children give up their lunch breaks, excitedly inspired by the BIG Crib challenge."
All the cribs will return to the schools which made them, to form centre pieces for the end of term Christmas celebrations.
