A RE-ENACTMENT of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was held in Basildon town centre to mark Good Friday.

Followed by men dressed in Roman centurion mock-up armour, an actor representing Jesus carried a crucifix from Holy Trinity Church in Wick Hay, Basildon, along with a crowd of around 250 participants.

He then placed the crucifix on a stage and was tied to it.

The events of Good Friday were re-enacted in front of scores of passers-by.

The Walk of Witness is staged annually in many towns and cities across the UK.

As well as commemorating the holy day, the event encourages churches to work together and build inter-church relationships.

A prayer was read out by Pastor Mark Barfield at the service by Brooke House Town Square Basildon.

He hailed the day as a success saying: “It was a brilliant day with around 250 people attending.

“We have been doing this in Basildon for more than 50 years but it is only in the past couple of years that we have added the dramatic element of Jesus carrying the cross.

“The best part about this is that all the churches, from different denominations, come together to mark Good Friday.”