A charity is offering 25,000 free tickets for families to watch a new Christmas film premiering in a Basildon cinema next month.

The new feature film 'Why the Nativity?’ premieres in Cineworld at Festival Leisure Park on Saturday, December 3 at 10am.

And families are invited to attend for free courtesy of the film’s maker, Turning Point Ministries.

‘Why the Nativity?’ follows the journey of the first Christmas story, transporting the audience back in time to experience the sights and sounds of the first Christmas.

Audiences will enjoy a front-row seat to the Nativity story as they witness the Old Testament prophets foretelling the birth of Jesus, Gabriel appearing to Mary, Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, angels appearing to shepherds, the star guiding the Wise Men from the East, and baby Jesus lying in a manger in a humble stable in Bethlehem.

The film has been created to bring the story of the nativity to life - and Turning Point Ministries is committed to making the screening free to those who want to attend.

A church leader said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for families in the local community to come together to start their Christmas celebrations. Going to the cinema can be out of reach for many families because of pressure on family budgets so the fact that this is free makes it really appealing.”

Turning Point Ministries hopes that watching ‘Why the Nativity?’ will become a new Christmas tradition for families across the world.

Individuals and church groups can book their free tickets at whythenativity.co.uk or by calling 0800 058 2856.