THE CHEVIN Cross is standing over Otley again this Easter after a two year break in the tradition because of Covid.

Around 50 volunteers helped put the 36ft cross in position on Surprise View on Sunday, April 2 - in an annual event organised by Otley Churches Together.

Volunteers included Otley and Yeadon councillor Sandy Lay.

He tweeted: "Helping to put up the Chevin Cross.

"Returning after a two year hiatus due to COVID the Cross overlooks Otley & can be seen from miles around.

"It is a symbol for the Christian community of Christ's love.

"This Cross is made from salvaged wood from the Manchester bombing of 1996."

The striking symbol has been an iconic feature of the local landscape at Easter for almost every year since it was first introduced by the Otley Council of Christian Churches in 1969.

The original cross was replaced for the new Millennium when timber salvaged from Manchester’s Arndale Centre was used in its construction. The shopping mall had been destroyed in June, 1996, in an IRA terrorist attack.

In 2001 it was not possible to erect the cross due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

A service will be held at the cross at 7am on Easter Sunday.