YOUNG actors preparing for their Nativity play are being filmed for a fly-on-the-wall documentary about York Minster.

Children from the Minster School are seen learning their lines and in dress rehearsal for the Christmas programme.

The special documentary, being screened on December 23, features life at the Minster during the busy festive season.

Alex Donaldson, headteacher at the Minster School, said: "The children are used to performing and were at ease in front of the cameras.

"They are all very excited about being on TV."

The BBC1 film crew is spending several weeks at the Minster and filming services and events including the enthronement of York's new archbishop, John Sentamu, on Wednesday.

Choristers will be seen singing at the cathedral and practising at the school, which caters for three to 13-year-olds.

"The BBC started filming over a week ago and have been causing a lot of excitement at the Minster," said Mr Donaldson.

"All our pupils take part in a lot of music events and this will come across in the programme.

"The cameras will be staying here right up until the Minster Carol Service on December 21 and the documentary is being screened two days later, so the crew will be busy right up until the last minute."

Mr Donaldson said the Nativity play, which is being performed by four to six-year-olds, is a mixture of the traditional Christmas story with a modern tale about turkeys, mince pies and presents.

"It is about what makes Christmas special," he said.

It is being performed in the Chapter House on Thursday, the day after the archbishop's inauguration and the public can go along to watch it at 6.30pm.

Meanwhile, choristers from the school burst into song to help celebrate the restoration of a building in the heart of York which stood empty for nearly a decade.

The old York College For Girls, on Low Petergate, in York has been rejuvenated and brought back into use by Hull construction firm Geo Houlton and Sons Ltd.

The school choir performed songs, reminiscent of the building's past, to mark the official completion of the venture with Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Greenwood, unveiling a commemorative plaque.

The development features 19 apartments, six retail outlets and a restaurant built around a courtyard and garden with Minster views.

Shops such as Jaeger, The Rugby Shop, Noa Noa and Kindom have moved in and in December, La Vecchia Scuola restaurant is due to open.

Updated: 09:45 Monday, November 28, 2005