Otley'S Easter Cross has returned - after a year out because of the foot and mouth crisis.

Last year, Otley Churches Together decided against erecting it on Otley Chevin as a mark of respect for farmers.

Public footpaths on the Chevin were closed and although the cross site is just a short way off the paths, it was decided not to go ahead.

But this year, the cross returned to the Chevin - for only the third time since it replaced one cut down by vandals.

A group of volunteers put it in place just before 10am on Saturday morning.

The cross, which has been a feature of Otley's easter celebrations for 30 years, goes up on the Saturday two weeks before Easter Sunday, and comes down two weeks after Easter.

The current cross was built at the end of 1999 from timber salvaged from the IRA bombing of Manchester which devastated the town centre.

Made by Ilkley cabinet maker Brent Thompson, the pitch pine cross first went up just before Christmas 1999 to mark the start of the new millennium. It went up for a second time at Easter, 2000.

lVolunteers will be needed to bring the cross down on Saturday, April 13 at 9.30pm. volunteers should meet in the car park opposite the Royalty Pub.