To the delight of around seven hundred ecstatic children, It’s a Boy, the animation about the real meaning behind Christmas, premiered Sunday at London’s Odeon West End.

|TOP|The animation is the brainchild of Christian author Steve Legg, of The Breakout Trust, and was created in order to educate children on the true meaning of Christmas.

“Three years ago I heard of a little boy ask his teacher after seeing his school nativity play ‘why Mary and Joseph had named their little baby after a swear word’,” said Mr Legg.

“That really hit me; there is a whole generation of children who do not know the true meaning of Christmas and have no idea who Jesus is.”

“This touched me very profoundly,” he added at yesterday’s premiere, also attended by the Mayor of Westminster, as well as the many of the stars behind the voices, including Steven Berkoff and Alexa Tewkesbury.

|QUOTE|It’s a Boy has taken three years to complete and is designed to bring the message of Christ to school children in an entertaining and informative way that complements the National Curriculum.

“This film isn’t intended to ram religion down our children’s throats, but at a time when political correctness seems to take over it is important to ensure that a basic level of instruction continues in our schools,” said Mr Legg.

The animation charts the efforts of three quails, voiced by Cannon and Ball and Tewkesbury as they attempt to warn Mary and Joseph that King Herod intends to kill the baby Jesus.

|AD|It’s a Boy also features music by Sir Cliff Richard who said: “It’s a fabulous creative effort and kids will love it. I’m just proud to have been involved.”

Joe Pasquale, who plays the innkeeper Garralus, comments: “This is typical of my mate Steve Legg as it is creative, down-to-earth, funny and entertaining. I’m delighted to recommend it to you as I play the innkeeper.

He added: “It’s fantastic to be part of something classy and meaningful”.

Graham Cole, who plays the voice of the hotelier, said: “It’s a Boy is a fantastic way of reaching millions of children with the true meaning of Christmas.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea and it was great to be in it. It certainly gets my stamp of approval.”

The animation, created and funded by Legg’s The Breakout Trust, has cost a total of £200,000 and will be sent to primary schools around the country.