THE Rev Rod Key, parish priest at St Andrew's Church in Chippenham, has come up with an idea so everyone who wants to can mark Easter in their own homes while churches are closed.

He says: "For church-going Christians, Easter Day is hugely important as the celebration of Jesus's resurrection, and it will be especially hard not to be able to gather for worship on Easter Sunday this year, when the church, which should be full of flowers, banners and music, is locked and empty.

"Normally at St Andrew's we would build an Easter Garden together for Easter Day, so we're inviting all members of the congregation to make their own garden out of anything that comes to hand - that may be twigs and pebbles picked up during daily exercise, or cutlery and plates from the kitchen drawer. It could be flat and minimalist, or elaborate and enormous.

"The challenge is to make an Easter in Adversity Garden to put on or near your table ready for 10am worship on Easter Day. If possible, add a bell (which could be a glass with a spoon to tap it) and a candle. St Andrew's folk will then join in prayers and Easter hymns, sent out by email to everyone in isolation.

"We'll light our candle at 10am with the greeting Christ is risen! and ring our bells because the church bells can't ring. One way for people in lockdown to make Easter Day special."