A Lent Posada?

But while the "Dhuoor Family" (James, Rebecca, Tabitha and John) are in fact dolls, they represent a subject that is anything but child's play.

The Chalke Valley Team in Wiltshire is highlighting the work of agricultural training in helping to feed refugee families.

The Chalke Valley Group of Churches has sent the family out with a box and small toy tent, and the family also carry a secure place for donations to the Churches' Lent Appeal.

There is even a log book so their journey can be mapped, showing where they have travelled to and stayed as they moved up and down the valley.

Posadas come from Mexico and are normally associated with Christmas. The word posada means 'inn' or 'shelter' in Spanish and, in this tradition, the Bible story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay is re-enacted, with the Holy Fanily staying in houses overnight.

The Chalke Valley Lent Posada adapts the tradition and asks the community to become host families for every night during Lent.

The Revd Catherine Blundell, Team Rector, says the response to the Lent Posada has been overwhelming, with offers coming from all over the Valley to offer a bed for the night to the family.

"I even got a call from one farming family, who had heard about the Posada, third hand, and they had made a room up ready, assuming it was real family arriving.

"They rang me to apologise that they had only the one room for the whole family."