A PLAY that won a competition for new work will be performed in 13 churches in Herefordshire and Shropshire in a unique move by Courtyard-based New Theatre Works and the Church of England locally.

The tour of Heart and Stone by Peter Roberts has been produced by New Theatre Works in partnership with the Diocese of Hereford.

"We're currently exploring new ways of placing our ancient buildings at the heart of the community," said Wendy Coombey, community partnership and funding officer for the Diocese of Hereford.

"This play could not have been more relevant for us as we adapt our churches for wider and different uses, just as they were used in medieval times."

Heart and Stone dramatises core issues of faith, love and truth embodied in the lives of four people as they rehearse their community play in a West Midlands church.

Acting out the building's vibrant history - from the Black Death to the Blitz - they celebrate daily life in the parish, its festivals and follies.

"I hope the play attracts those who'd enjoy the personal drama of a contemporary story, as well as people contemplating questions of belief or the role of the church in the community today," said Peter Roberts, whose plays have frequently been performed on BBC Radio 4 and in major regional venues.

"There's plenty of music and humour too!"

In a first for both the Diocese and New Theatre Works, the play is to run at 13 churches, 12 in Herefordshire and one just over the Shropshire border. "The play is being performed in the naves of some of our most beautiful church buildings.

"Most are quite large ones but some, like Bredwardine, are tiny village churches serving a small community," said Wendy Coombey.

"We have a good geographical spread so lots of people can see this great new play."

The play opens with two nights at All Saints in Hereford on March 24 and 25 and continues its tour until April 9 in Leintwardine.

Tickets are £6 and can be bought in advance from The Courtyard on 08701 122330 or on the door of each church.

All performances of Heart and Stone start at 7.30pm, with the exception of St Mary, Ross-on-Wye, which begins at 6.30pm.

The production will be at:

l All Saints, Hereford, Friday, March 24, Saturday, March 25

l St Andrew, Bredwardine, Tuesday, March 28

l St Philip & St James, Tarrington, Wednesday, March 29

l St Peter, Bromyard, Thursday, March 30

l Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Madley, Friday, March 31

l Dore Abbey, Abbeydore, Saturday, April 1

l St Mary, Ross-on-Wye, Sunday, April 2

l Leominster Priory, Tuesday, April 4;

l St Mary The Virgin, Pembridge, Wednesday, April 5

l St Mary, Kington, Thursday, April 6;

l St Laurence, Ludlow,

Friday, April 7

l St Peter, Peterchurch, Saturday, April 8

l St Mary Magdelene, Leintwardine, Sunday, April 9