The brutal final hours of Jesus Christ’s life were played out in front of huge crowds as 30 churches across the borough celebrated Good Friday.

Eastenders actor Chris Reilly, as Jesus, was whipped and beaten as he shouldered a cross and dragged it from St Michael’s Church, Poplar Walk, North End, through the town to the Whitgift Almshouses on April 6 as part of Croydon’s annual Walk of Witness ceremony.

Churches from all Christian denominations took part in the ceremony, which included three processions, followed by a service led by Vicar of Croydon Canon Colin Boswell and including music from St.Mildred’s choir, Addiscombe.

Toni Suffolk, one of the organisers, said: “It was very moving, there were people in the audience weeping, full grown men. Chris, who played Jesus, actually got a cut lip and quite a lot of bruising but said afterwards he didn’t feel anything, which shows how it inspires.”

She estimated close to 1000 people turned out to watch the ceremony.

She said: “It is important. We have a lovely multi-cultural society here but it shouldn’t be forgotten part of that is a Christian one, and we can still celebrate the festivals important to us.”

The ceremony was almost cancelled this year after a failure to find funds threatened it, but a mystery benefactor came forward to pay leaflet printing costs.

Mrs Suffolk said: “It will probably sound funny to people but it almost felt like tit was a sign from God to continue. We are already planning for next year, and are confident it will happen.

She said she hoped in years to come a second celebration in the town centre could be held on Easter Sunday.