A squad of Roman soldiers led by a centurion made their way through Richmond town centre on Good Friday.

Heron Square was transformed into scenes from the bible including the triumphal entry to Jerusalem, driving out the money changers from the temple, the Last Supper and the betrayal in the garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus's arrest and his appearance before King Herod also formed part of Richmond's first Easter Passion play, with the king pronouncing his judgement from the balcony of the Old Town Hall overlooking Whittaker Square.

With a crown of thorns thrust upon his head and carrying a cross on his back, Jesus was led back through Heron Square and down to the River Terrace where a stage had been set for crucifixion.

More than 2,000 people gathered to see the final moments of Jesus on the cross before he was carried into a tomb to mark the end of the performance.

The choir continued to sing until a few minutes later when Jesus appeared newly clothed and descending the steps by the war memorial to calls of "He is risen".