Organisers of a nativity procession which will include camels walking alongside Mary and Joseph have responded after campaigners got the hump.

Animal rights groups said the creatures should “roam the desert” rather than be “dressed up” and forced to strut around Lympne, near Hythe, as part of Christmas celebrations.

But Ann Kaplan Mulholland, owner of Lympne Castle, and Reverend Barry Knott, of Lympne Church, who are organising the event, say no harm will be done to the livestock and referred to the complaints as “unsubstantiated animosity”.

The festive spectacle is set to take place on Sunday and will feature sheep, donkeys and camels walking with actors portraying Mary and Joseph.

Responding to the concerns of campaign group, Animal Rising, the organisers of the living nativity said: “We are holding an event to bring joy to the community of Lympne and the people of Kent. Our intentions are good. We have of course considered the welfare of the animals and would not participate in an event if any were at risk.

“We would like to say that, at times, concerns can bring unsubstantiated animosity and tension that can put a well-meaning action into an unnecessary light and shadow the joy that could and should otherwise be had.

“We are holding a beautiful and peaceful event on Sunday and hope to bring more joy to our community.”

They continued: “The people of Lympne are coming together in happiness to celebrate what we hope to be the first of many nativity walks and events hosted by this incredible community.

“Should there be any substantiated concerns, we are here to listen and here to always be responsible.”

Ann Kaplan Mulholland and Reverend Barry Knott went on to explain that camels have been domesticated for more than 400 years, which is, as they point out, longer even than horses. The pair also stressed that the camels would be overseen by their handlers at all times during the procession and argued that even those with humps would enjoy the event.

Ms Kaplan Mulholland, who is best known for appearing on The Real Housewives of Toronto, purchased the 1000-year-old Lympne Castle earlier this year.

The livestock which will take part in the retelling of the Bible story on Sunday will be provided by Joseph’s Amazing Camels and Mike’s Donkeys, who have previously supplied animal talent to organisations including the BBC, Amazon, ITV and Sky.

A spokesperson for Joseph’s Amazing Camels said the company is “committed to the highest standards of welfare.

“Our camels have a 15-acre field to live in during the day and then they come into their stables at night. They graze on grass during the day with access to fresh water and at night, they have hay and feed to eat.

“They are washed and groomed regularly and have just had a check-up with the vet who wormed them and gave vitamin boosters.

“They are much-loved pets who also work. Camels have been domesticated for longer than horses and have worked in tandem with man in many aspects. They are very special animals who deserve much respect for their intelligence and lovely natures.

“We are privileged to have them and be able to share them with so many people who thoroughly enjoy meeting them.”

The complaints against the living nativity arose from campaign group, Animal Rising, who have previously worked to end the practice of using reindeers as props during the holiday season.

Nathan McGovern, of Animal Rising, said: “Camels should be roaming through the desert, not through Kent village streets.

“None of us would like to be dressed up and paraded around - we should be showing animals the love and respect they deserve, not using them for processions.

“At the heart of this is a broken relationship with animals and the natural world.”

The organisation also raised concerns about the safety of putting large livestock animals into situations which could cause them stress while in proximity to spectators.

Lympne Castle has also arranged for sheep and donkeys to join the spectacle on Sunday, with tickets costing £12 per child and £50 for a family ticket.

Actors playing wise men and shepherds are also billed as part of the procession, which will wind from Lympne Village Hall to the castle in The Street.

There will be four nativity parades beginning on the half-hour from 1pm to 2.30pm, with tickets available for online purchase. Money raised will go towards the nearby village hall, church and primary school.