NINETY-YEAR-OLD Jack Hudson carried the cross at his church for the last time on Sunday - after 25 years as crucifer.

Mr Hudson, of Church Street, Addingham, has performed the duty at St Peter's parish church at special ceremonies since moving to the village in 1973.

And it was his ambition to perform the duty for the last time when he reached his 90th birthday - which he celebrated on Saturday.

He has seen hundreds of couples married and babies baptised, celebrated scores of religious festivals with the church and led out countless processions with the 10ft wooden cross.

Mr Hudson began his role when the Rev Dennis Shaw was rector at the church. Mr Shaw left in 1992, and Mr Hudson continued as crucifer during the Rev Michael Casterton's time at St Peter's.

Mr Casterton died last year and the new rector, the Rev Andrew Tawn, invited Mr Hudson to the Pentecost service on Sunday.

"It was while Mr Casterton was here that I said I wanted to carry the cross for the last time when I reached 90. He said he would look forward to sharing the moment with me but, sadly, he's not here," said Mr Hudson

"I used to carry it regularly but as I got older it got a bit too much for me. Now I hope someone else at the church will carry on the tradition."

l Mr Hudson is pictured with the cross he has carried on countless occasions during 25 years at St Peter's Church.

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