Crowds follow the journey of the cross (From Gazette Series)

Crowds follow the journey of the cross

A RECORD number of worshippers joined a procession of witness to Cam Peak on Good Friday.

An estimated 350 people followed the 10ft cross through Cam and Dursley for this year's procession organised by Cam, Dursley and District Churches Together Group.

Representatives from different denominations came together to re-enact the journey of the cross through Jerusalem prior to the crucifixion.

Residents from the parishes of Dursley, Cam, Woodmancote, Coaley, Uley and Stinchcombe participated in the event.

Last year's convenor and Churches Together enabling committee member Alan Garnham said the turn-out on the day was the best ever.

"We had a new innovation this year - joining with the Cam procession at St George's Church - to proceed together to Cam Peak. This made there were more people than ever for the final service."

The procession stopped at ten different points around the town to mark the ten stations of the cross. At each station churches from around the district held short services of a hymn, prayer and reading.

From Dursley Fire Station in Castle Street the procession went to Parsonage Street, Kingshill Lane, St George's Church and Spring Hill en route to Cam Peak.

A longer service took place after the cross had been erected on the top of Cam Peak.

Mr Garnham added: "It was a very pleasant event. The weather was kind and a lot of people joined in. Some followed the whole procession others joined on for as long as they could. People were spread out over a fair distance."