Newarke Canterbury Tales performed as part of the Canterbury Festival

A NEWARK version of the Canterbury Tales was performed in Canterbury at the weekend as part of the Canterbury Festival.

The Newarke Canterbury Tales, written by Peter Tyrer, of Hawton, and with costumes made by Helen Tyrer, describes the journey of pilgrims in 1378 travelling from Newark to Canterbury to see the tomb of Thomas Becket.

The work was performed in St Peter's Methodist Church at the end of a tour that also visited Stamford and Rochester.

The show was supported by Stephen Fry, who provided a voiceover. The cast were also received at Canterbury Cathedral.

Three tales were told: the Surgeon's Tale about an operation by famous Newark surgeon, Sir John Arderne; the Wife of Bath's Tale about female emancipation; and the Bell-Hanger's Tale about a mythical bell contest between the gods.

The Newarke Canterbury Tales were supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund with a substantial grant towards the restoration of the tower and bells at Hawton Church.

The fund-raising is now almost over and a service led by the Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Rev Tony Porter, for the dedication of the bells will be held in the church on Saturday.