EASTER has been marked by a remarkable weekend of events organised by the Devizes Partnership of Churches.

More than 300 people crowded into Devizes Market Place on Good Friday to take part in a service before three crosses were carried up to Roundway Hill where they were put up overlooking the town.

The Rev Chris Tebbutt, vicar of St James who led the service, was delighted with the turnout. He said: "There were over 100 in our church for the Good Friday service and by the time all the other churches came to join us, there must have been more than 300 people there.

"Not all of them went up to Roundway Hill but it was a remarkable sight to see them."

In 2001 the foot-and-mouth outbreak stopped the pilgrimage to place the crosses on Roundway Hill because access to the countryside was very restricted.

In 2002 the Partnership of Churches staged a Passion play instead which drew large crowds.

Mr Tebbutt said: "We went back to the procession this year because we want to keep our message fresh and present it in a different way each year."

On Easter Day there was a dawn service at 6am on Roundway Hill, overlooking the three crosses.

Mr Tebbutt said: "It was very impressive and very affecting.

"It has been an extraordinary Holy Week.

"I would like to thank everyone who helped organise it."