SPECIAL church events marking Easter take place in the Bedale area this week.

Today, there is a morning of crafts and reflection on the story of Holy Week, starting at 10.30am and finishing at noon and organised by St Augustine's Church, Leeming Bar. Admission costs, 50p per child.

A similar event takes place in Leeming village tomorrow. Organised by St John's Church, it starts in the school and finishes in church at noon, 50p a child.

The story of Holy Week is to be retold in a dramatic way on Thursday, at 10.50am, starting at the Chantry Hall, in Bedale, where Katie the donkey will lead the procession to church.

Refreshments will be available following the service.