The Reverend Gordon Parry said it was fitting to use "gifts from God"

A fruit and vegetable nativity scene depicting baby Jesus as a carrot has been given the church's blessing.

Onions have also been used for the heads of Mary and Joseph by Tulleys Farm, of Turners Hill, near Crawley, West Sussex, leading to some criticism.

One visitor said it was "offensive", while others were "overwhelmingly positive", said owner Stuart Beare.

Local vicar The Reverend Gordon Parry gave the nativity his backing, saying it was fitting to use "gifts from God".

"One understands that people have sensitivities around this issue," he said.

"However, Tulleys Farm are merely portraying the nativity in the context of their business.

"It seems fitting that they have chosen to use what Christians regard as gifts from God, ie vegetables, to create a symbol of God's greatest gift, ie his son, Jesus Christ."

Donations from the display will go towards the upkeep of St Leonard's Church, in Turners Hill.