Volunteers are being sought to help raise Otley’s famous Chevin Cross up for Easter.

The striking, 36ft-high wooden monument has dominated the Wharfedale skyline during each April since it was first installed in 1969.

This year the cross is being hauled into position at its usual spot on top of the Chevin, at Surprise View, at 9.30am on Saturday, April 5.

All helpers should assemble at the spot – opposite The Royalty pub – at 9.15am.

John Burland, of Otley Methodist Church, said: “At least 50 people are needed to pull the cross into place at Surprise View, where it then remains for four weeks throughout the Easter celebrations.”

The cross was the brainchild of the Otley Council of Christian Churches who wanted it to provide a striking symbol of hope.

It was replaced for Easter, 2000 when the new structure was built of timbers salvaged from the Arndale Centre in Manchester following the 1996 bomb attack by the IRA.