THE last of a series of theatre performances using prominent places in Wallingford as a backdrop takes place today at St Leonard's Church.

And as the other three have attracted big audiences, organiser Polly Gibson is going to stage two performances - at 5.30pm and 7pm.

Miss Gibson started the Backdrop sequence at the beginning of the year, after getting financial backing from the town council and other organisations.

She has worked with young people aged between 12 and 16 who would not normally take part in dance and theatre projects.

During the year, they have performed outside the town hall, in the Castle Gardens and outside the former Waitrose store, in St Martin's Street.

The last event will be in the church, where they have been rehearsing the show, The Wedding of..., for the past eight weeks.

Miss Gibson, 26, was born and brought up in Wallingford and went to St John's School and Wallingford School, before doing a performing arts degree in Winchester.

She said: "When I was growing up, Wallingford was a perfect backdrop for me - and it still is for a generation of young people today.

"Unfortunately, some of them have yet to realise it - they need people to inspire them and show them the way."

The Backdrop project has received high praise from mayor Betty Atkins.

She said: "Their efforts have been wonderful and a joy to behold."