A POPULAR faith television programme has paid a visit to the county.

Songs of Praise is broadcast to millions of viewers each Sunday on BBC One and the episode which aired on Sunday came from Pershore Abbey.

Reverend Claire Lording from Pershore Abbey said: “ It’s not the first time they’ve been here.

“They came to record two years ago but we were delighted to have the show back again as they’ve kept in touch.

“Songs of Praise is a great show, particularly for the elderly who possibly cannot get to church.

“I know one old lady who watches it every single week from her home in the area.

“She was distraught when the show moved time - to her the show is her church and means so much to her.

“One week they filmed in Coventry and she said to me: ‘I’ve been to Coventry this week’.

“The return visit has really put a spring in everyone’s step.”

A BBC production crew arrived in January to film the latest episode.

The show show was first broadcast in 1961.

As part of the show, hymns were song as well as interviews with worshippers. It is one of the longest running shows of its type in the world.

Events have included on October 3, 1982 broadcast from Strangeways Prison (the first time it had broadcast from a prison),and on January 2, 1983 broadcast from the Falkland Islands.

The show has had many presenters over the years including Harry Secombe, Alan Titchmarsh and Huw Edwards.

Have you got anything going on at your church? Contact Steven Collins on 01905 742254.