JOHN Wesley, the great preacher and founder of Methodism, is returning to Leominster more than 260 years after his first visit - in the form of actor Mark Topping.

An Evening with John Wesley is being held at Green Lane Methodist Church tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30pm.

Mark is hoping for a better reception than Wesley received on his first visit when he preached on a tombstone outside the Priory but the bells were rung and the organ played loudly to drown him out.

"Drama is a great way of bringing history to life," says Superintendent Methodist Minister Rev Mary Jolly. "This is a wonderful opportunity for people to discover more about the faith life of this extraordinary person and I'm sure we'll give him a warmer welcome than he received in 1746!"

Tickets are available from 01568 616060 or 01544 388915.