HARP harmonies floated through a church as a "captivating" expert plucked strings on antique instruments.

Music lover and lecturer Sarah Deere-Jones visited Trinity Church in Abingdon on Wednesday to discuss the history of harps, tracing their evolution from ancient Mediterranean roots through to 20th century Europe.

The Royal College of Music graduate spoke to members of Abingdon Decorative and Fine Arts Society, which hosted the event in the Conduit Road church.

Abingdon resident and society member Susan Williams described the event as a "very special treat".

She added: "Her knowledge, passion and exquisite playing of several of her own instruments captivated society members and guests. Our lecturers are always excellent but one member remarked how it had been the best ever."

The group perched on church pews to listen to the classically-trained harpist as she spoke, before watching demonstrations on several instruments stood tall in the aisles.

Among them were antique models and grand replicas with swirling shapes and metallic gold-painted edges.

Abingdon Decorative and Fine Arts Society runs a wide-ranging programme of lectures about the arts and organises trips to galleries, museums, houses and gardens.

Anyone interested in attending a talk or joining the group can visit adfas.org.uk.