MORE than 2,000 people flocked to a North-East hilltop yesterday to join the raising of a cross and an outdoor Easter service.
The event, at Tunstall Hill, Sunderland, was the largest it has been since it was started 40 years ago by St Cecelia's RC Church, in the city's Ryhope Road.
Originally confined to members of the church, it was opened to all denominations ten years ago as an ecumenical event.
Men from St Mary's RC Church, in Bridge Street, Sunderland, took their turn to carry the cross a quarter of a mile from Leechmere Farm to Tunstall Hill.
There, the service was conducted by their priest, Father Christopher Jackson.
Fr Michael Sweeney, parish priest at St Cecelia's since 1961, said: "It was a beautiful day.
"There was a very large crowd. The end of the parade was still leaving Leechmere Farm when the cross reached the top of the hill.
"The event has grown, and this year was the biggest yet. There were a lot of children. It is a big day for the family."
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