A THEATRE company, renowned for its imaginative and often bizarre approach, can boast another coup when it stages its next production this spring.

North Country Theatre is planning a more serious tour of churches in North Yorkshire - including Ripon Cathedral - performing the Passion Plays at Easter.

However, as well as the action on stage, audiences may want to focus at least some of their attention on the scenery which will have been painted by an internationally-renowned artist who's work is selling for thousands of pounds.

Mackenzie Thorpe, who was born in Middlesbrough, promised to help the company eight months ago when he was in Richmond.

However, he moved to the US last year and will now fly in from his new home just outside San Francisco to keep his word.

Mr Thorpe starts work at his Richmond Arthaus next week on a 10ft triptych, which will open as a backdrop for the medieval mystery plays.