A CHURCH is running a course to help people understand a controversial new film.

Paddock's Community Church is offering a six-week Understanding The Passion course starting on Tuesday April 20.

The course aims to help people understand Mel Gibson's film The Passion Of The Christ, which tells the story of the crucifixion.

It has been criticised for being anti-Semitic and violent.

A Community Church spokesman said: "We want to give people the opportunity to explore further exactly why Jesus came to die. It is all too easy to be distracted by all the many voices reacting to the film."

The course runs from 7.30pm at the Jubilee Centre.

Anyone interested in attending should contact the church on 01484 551551.