CHURCHES hope to bring scripture to life with a community drama project based on an annual re-enactment of Jesus’ last days which is watched by thousands of people in London every year.

The Wintershall Players’ Good Friday retelling of the biblical story of the Passion of Jesus, performed by around 100 volunteers in Trafalgar Square,draws crowds of up to 20,000.

In 2020, organisers hope to see communities across the UK stage their own version of the production and churches in Bishop Auckland and surrounding villages hope to take part.

Members of local Christian churches have formed Bishop Auckland Passion Play and issued a rallying call to people of all ages and abilities, of all faiths and none, to make it happen.

A film about the Wintershall Passion Play is touring churches in the area throughout Lent and anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to attend one to find out more and sign up.

The Bishop of Durham, The Right Rev Paul Butler, said: “Passion Play Bishop Auckland in 2020 would be a fantastic opportunity to build on all kinds of things which already exist.

“Good Friday has been an inter-church thing for a number of years, always involves people performing and this would take the whole thing to a different level.”

For more than 30 years the area has marked Good Friday with a walk of witness and performance elements have been central to joint services.

Bishop Auckland Passion Play aims to build on that and include members of the wider community.

The Bishop said: “I want to publicly endorse the whole project and say this is a fantastic opportunity for Bishop Auckland, it is a fantastic opportunity for the county as a whole.

"I think it will fit into all sorts of things being planned for 2020 which will become more public in due course.”

Clive Auld, chairman of the Bishop Auckland Town Team's events committee, said: “It is about working together for a better cause and a better place for people to work, live and prosper.”

The group needs actors, costume designers and makers, sound, video and music technicians and seeks funding towards the initiative.

Charlie Scott-King, from the project, said: “Bishop Auckland Passion Play need everyone to be behind this production and be proud of our talent, our skills and our community.

“Let's connect and work with each other to put on this amazing show- who knows Passion Play 2020 could be just the beginning for Bishop Auckland.”

To raise awareness of the project, there will be a live feed from Trafalgar Square on March 30 at the Wear Valley Christian Centre, Bishop Auckland. Call 01388-772898 for details.

For information and film dates visit the Passion Play Bishop Auckland Facebook page.