Otley's renowned Easter cross will be taken down from the Chevin for the last time this Saturday.

The symbol of the Christian celebration, which has been hauled into place by volunteers for the past 31 years, is to be replaced with a new cross for the Millennium.

And residents can help provide the new one by donating money to a public subscription being launched in early May.

The move has been made by the Otley Council of Christian Churches - which is responsible for the cross - in view of the massive support for it in and around the town.

Ron Sweeney, fundraising organiser, said: "Despite vandalism, storms and the wear and tear of the years, it has played a large part in the life of Otley.

"The Otley Council of Christian Churches has decided that in view of the overwhelming support from so many people that a new cross will be provided."

Mr Sweeney said that a number of people had contacted him to say what a source of comfort it had been.

One woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, wrote: "The Easter cross, which I always watch being erected from my window, has given me a lot of pleasure and a sense of comfort over the years - especially last year when my mother died on Easter Sunday morning.

"I have a wonderful view of the cross and sometimes look at it, even in the dark, on a moonlit night."

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