LONG-running BBC TV series, Songs of Praise, is coming to Pershore Abbey this summer.

Cameras will descend on the 1,000-year-old abbey on Wednesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 9, to record two programmes.

The first will be aired on July 10, and will focus on Pershore itself, while the second programme will be broadcast on September 4, for the Harvest Festival.

Songs of Praise celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and the abbey was one of the first locations it broadcast from when it visited in 1962.

Several new arrangements of traditional hymns have been specially commissioned for the programme’s return, which will feature performances from the abbey choir, a wind quintet and local choir groups. Rev Kenneth Crawford, vicar at the abbey, said: “I feel it’s very good. It’s very good for the town and very good for the abbey because it goes kingdom-wide and abroad, which will probably benefit tourism.

“But it’s also very good in bringing people together, which is very important. The congregation did quite a quick sign-up for their tickets.”

Singer turned TV presenter Aled Jones will present the harvest programme, while Diane-Louise Jordan will front the July episode.

Karen Hannah, Songs of Praise producer, said she was delighted that the programme was returning to Pershore in its 50th anniversary year.

“We chose the location because we thought it was just perfect,” she said.

“It’s such a beautiful abbey – it had a really nice atmosphere and the gardens are beautiful.

“We haven’t been there since 1994 and the first time we came was in 1962, which was at the very beginning of our time.

“We’re also celebrating our anniversary in September and it would be wonderful to hear from anyone who might have attended previous recordings.”

Ms Hannah added seats were filling up fast but there was still room for townsfolk to play their part as members of the congregation.

Anyone interested in taking part should call 01612 443473 or e-mail songsofpraise@bbc.co.uk.