An early morning Easter Sunday service will be held at the foot of Otley’s Chevin Cross, which is dominating the skyline for the 45th year.

The cross was first hoisted into position in 1969 and is raised by volunteers each Easter.

It was the brainchild of the Otley Council of Christian Churches and stands at the very top of the Chevin beside the Surprise View car park.

John Burland, of Otley Methodist Church, said: “The Chevin Cross went up this year with consummate ease. Nearly 90 people turned up to assist, making it one of the easiest years ever for erecting the cross on the top of the Chevin. It will now stand there for four weeks over the Easter period and will be taken down on Saturday, May 3.” Anyone who would like to help lower the cross should be at Surprise View, opposite The Royalty pub, at 9.15am on May 3.