CHRISTIANS stepped out to demonstrate the true meaning of Easter on Good Friday.

Hundreds of people took part in March of Witness events held in towns across west and north Wiltshire to mark Holy Week and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Trowbridge more than 300 people took part in hymns, readings and prayers as Christians followed a route through the town centre, this year taking in the park for the first time, ending with a service at the United Church.

The Rev Beth Hutton, of Holy Trinity Church, said: "There were about 300 people on the march, which was marvellous considering the wet weather and just shows how important Good Friday is to Christians." In Chippenham more than 350 people took part in a march beginning at Monkton Park Methodist Church and finishing at St Andrew's Church with a hymn, prayer and hot cross buns.

In Bradford on Avon about 80 church members joined a Follow the Cross procession, starting at Westbury Gardens and stopping at various points in the town before finishing at Christ Church. In Westbury, parishioners gathered at the Rotunda in High Street for reflections led by Churches Together.

Worshippers in Warminster had their route shortened because the Three Horseshoes Mall, where they usually stop, was covered in scaffolding. Instead they left from their usual spot at the Athenaeum and went along the street to the St Laurence Chapel.

The Rev Dennis Brett said: "The route was rather curtailed but nonetheless the public responded well and it was a very successful fellowship together." Scenes from the Easter story were performed as churchgoers in Melksham walked from the Prince of Wales Gardens through the town for a final service in Market Place.

  • See this wee's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News for more pictures