A special play exploring Jesus' life, death and what happened next is set to be staged in west Cumbria.

Three Witnesses forms a contemporary re-telling of St Luke's gospel and will be staged in Cleator Moor next month.

In the production, a writer seeks to piece together the true story of Jesus and his quest to save the lost. Using news and documentary footage and encounters with key witnesses he gains a unique insight into Jesus' life.

The Rev Peter Turnbull, team vicar of the Crosslacon Benefice, has helped arrange for the production to visit the county.

He said: “We're thrilled that the play is coming here to Cleator Moor. There's no doubt that the subject matter is challenging and thought-provoking and that's made all the more immediate in the contemporary and gritty way in which it's told.

“I hope and pray that through this new medium we will be able to connect with a new audience who will be able to hear the Gospel message.”

The staging of Three Witnesses will be sponsored by Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches in the local area.

Three Witnesses is written and produced by Saltmine, a theatre group from the West Midlands, in partnership with UCCF: The Christian Unions.

As part of the Uncover gospel campaign it is currently touring nationally.

It will be performed on Sunday, March 23 at 6.30pm at Cleator Moor Civic Centre with a further opportunity to discuss the work at a follow-up event on Friday, April 4, at 7pm in St John's Hall, Cleator Moor.

Tickets and further information about the production are available from Rev Turnbull on 01946 810510.

The production was originally devised for a student audience and includes gritty, contemporary language. It's recommended the show is suitable for age 12 and over.