CHORISTERS gathered in Abingdon yesterday to prepare for the town's triennial re-telling of the Passion of the Christ.

The outdoor retelling of the Easter story - the Abingdon Passion Play, reveals an aspect of the life of Jesus and the event has been held in the town every three years since 2013.

A free taster session took place yesterday at the Peachcroft Christian Centre, Lindsey Drive, to encourage budding singers from the town to get involved with the final performance which will be held in April.

More than 200 amateur actors and schoolchildren will re-enact the last days of Christ at the town’s third ever Passion Play.

Past performances have featured a towering wooden cross, a real donkey and an emotionally-charged soundtrack written by local composer Heidi Cottrell.

The town’s first Passion Play took place in 2013 and attracted an audience of more than 1,200 in the Abbey Gardens, despite below-freezing temperatures.

The second performance was held in 2016.

Further rehearsals for this year's event will take place at the Peachcroft Christian Centre, on Sunday between 3pm and 5pm on March 10, 17 and 24.

A full dress rehearsal ahead of the main event will be held on March 31 at the centre between 2.30pm and 6.30pm.

The final performance will take place at the Abbey Grounds on April 6.

Visit abingdonpassionplay.co.uk for further information and to find out how to get involved.