VOLUNTEERS are needed to help haul Otley's Easter Cross into place on Saturday.

At least 40 people are needed to pull the 32ft high cross into place at Surprise View where it will stay throughout Easter.

Helpers from Otley churches are due to meet at the Methodist Church from 8am for a prayer breakfast before collecting the cross and taking it up to Otley Chevin.

Ron Sweeney, of Otley Churches Together, said: "We need 40 people to put it up and anyone who wants to help can meet us at Surprise View for about 9.30am."

It has been almost 40 years since a cross first went up on Otley Chevin during Easter.

The idea of Otley churches, the first cross, which was 36ft high, was blown down in high winds on the first night it was put up.

The badly damaged cross was worked on overnight and put up once again the next day -- although six feet shorter.

Mr Sweeney, one of the founder members of the group responsible for the cross, said: "We had this idea that we wanted to do it and we did, we've learned as we've gone along."

l Anyone wanting to help out should meet at Surprise View at 9.30am on Saturday.