UNDETERRED by rumours of an Easter Beast from the East and by the reality of gentle rain, more than 200 people gathered in central Farnham to bear witness to the passion of Christ on Good Friday.

The Walk of Witness is arranged through Churches Together in Farnham. It has taken place in this town for more than 20 years, one of the first in the country.

A procession about a hundred yards in length led by a cross, the walk leaves the top of The Hart following prayers spoken by Reverend Graham Culver, makes its way through the town to arrive at St Andrew’s Parish Church, where the Rector of Farnham, Reverend David Uffindell leads the final prayers and a hymn.

On its way, it is “guarded” at the rear by a car driven by Bill Leach.

Stewart Dakers, on behalf of Churches Together in Farnham, said: “In all, the walk takes half an hour, causing some disruption to traffic, whose drivers all accept the delays sympathetically.

“It is conducted in total silence and in an age characterised by sound and fury, it is remarkable how much impact silence can have.

“While only two hundred people take part, their witness will have raised questions and started conversations in many hundred more minds and households.”