Unceasing rain couldn’t deter Weymouth’s faithful from turning out to show their devotion at a Good Friday procession and service.

Congregants from churches across the town walked from the harbourside to New Bond Street, some carrying crosses to commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion.

Beginning the procession at 11 am, members of Weymouth’s Anglican, Roman Catholic and Evangelical churches alike marched to the open square on New Bond Street.

On arrival, they ate hot cross buns and joined together for a service with hymns, accompanied by the Salvation Army’s brass band.

Brenda Tripp, a street pastor from Ebenezer Evangelical Church, said: “Today is about celebrating what Jesus did, how he died for our sins.

“We call it Good Friday because he suffered so that we could celebrate on Easter Sunday. For me it’s a very important part of the Christian calendar.”

Her fellow street pastor, Eleanor Dymott from Our Lady, Star of the Sea Roman Catholic congregation, agreed. “Jesus died on the cross because he loved us, and we should love each other,” she said.

Rita and Martin Ashman from St Mary’s Church said they were pleased the event was being held, as it helped to raise awareness of the significance of Good Friday.

“Amid the hubbub of normal life, it’s good to stop and consider this holy day,” said Mrs Ashman. “We should honour what God gave us.”

David Peach, an elder from Ebenezer church, said: “I think today is the wettest Good Friday we have had! However a good number turned out considering the weather.”

“In one sense it brought it home a little more,” he added, “because if Jesus could die for us on the cross to bring us salvation, then it seems little in return to walk on Good Friday in the rain, to remember His sacrifice!”

Ebenezer elder Lelmer Campos, orginally from Brazil, was among those who carried a cross through the rain on Friday, accompanied by his young son Joshua.