CHURCHES and congregations across Comet country came together last week to mark one of the most prominent dates in the Christian calendar.

Worshippers met on Good Friday in towns across the area for their respective walk of witness events.

Around 700 members took part in the walk and united service organised by Churches Together in Hitchin.

The walk, headed by three crosses to symbolise the first Good Friday, began with prayer in Bancroft Gardens and made its way to Market Place where a united service was led by the Rev Ian Todd of Holy Saviour with Rev Michael Roden of St Mary’s.

Prayers were led by the Rev Linton Grant and Jane Litchmore-Grant of the Church of God of Prophecy, Ali Sharif of the Hitchin Islamic Community gave a greeting and there was music led by Phil Mitchell and members of St Faith’s Church.

In Letchworth GC, around 300 people attended the service and walk, which began in Broadway Gardens.

Former chairman of Letchworth Churches Together Barrie Sampson said: “It was a few less than last year, but nevertheless a good turn out for a cold Friday morning.

“We had people looking out of their windows and we had three dramas depicting the crucifixion story. We managed to deliver the Easter message of hope to a huge audience despite the weather.”

In Stevenage, there were two walks of witness organised by the town’s Churches Together community, which saw crosses carried through both the New Town and Old Town.

Acts of worship tooks place in the town square and Holy Trinity Church, where hundreds gathered before making their way down the High Street.

“It was a very good turnout,” said Rev Paul Seymour from All Saints Church.

“It’s a chance for people to display their feelings in a public but low key way.”

Knebworth’s event was attended by around 40 people, with the walk starting at Trinity Church, stopping at St Martin’s on the way to St Thomas More, where the walk finished for refreshments and hot cross buns.

And in Shefford, crowds gathered for the annual walk at the methodist church, before making their way to the baptist church, while stopping at other churches en route.