THE arrival of the Three Wise Men was interrupted at a school nativity – by the unscripted entrance of the police.
The Nativity play at Redehall Preparatory School in Smallfield was in full swing last week when, making his stage debut, PC Paul Baker added a little drama of his own.
PC Baker had been called to the school following a number of complaints from residents living nearby about vehicles parked in a "dangerous and obstructive manner" on the evening of Monday, December 10.
It seems that not only was there no room at the inn on stage – there was none outside the doctor's surgery in Wheelers Lane.
And while PC Baker did not receive a standing ovation for his brief moment in the spotlight, he did receive the backing of the school.
School governor Michelle Black said: "If members of the audience had parked inappropriately, then this was a matter for the local authorities and was dealt with in a polite and professional way.
"All cars were quickly and efficiently moved with minimal disruption to the performance.
"We will of course remind all visitors to park correctly at all future performances and we can only apologise for the inconvenience to local residents and PC Baker, who works hard to ensure the safety of residents."
Despite the brief interruption, the show did go on as parents shifted their vehicles into less awkward locations.
Neighbourhood Inspector Angie Austin said she was delighted to learn that there was "overwhelming support" for the actions of her officer.
She said: "Interrupting a school Nativity play is not a decision our officers would take lightly, but the manner of parking outside the school required immediate intervention and I fully support the actions of PC Baker.
"Obstruction and inconsiderate parking around schools can pose many dangers, not only to young children but to other pedestrians and road users, and the Tandridge Neighbourhood Team will always take appropriate action to ensure road safety.
"I cannot remember a time in all of my service when I have been so shocked by a response to something – I am just grateful that the shock is as a result of something so positive. I have a huge sense of pride that PC Baker is recognised for being the dedicated officer he really is."
Redehall Preparatory School added that the majority of the parents at the school understood PC Baker's decision to interrupt the performance.
