Giant cross visible for miles across Sheffield will stay lit as 'symbol of hope' during coronavirus crisis

The cross at Green Moor, near Stocksbridge, is illuminated every Easter and can be seen from miles away at night.

It usually only stays lit for a few days but church leaders have decided to keep the lights on until the end of April as a beacon of positivity and unity in these troubling times.

South Yorkshire Police issue 24 more coronavirus fines, but thank majority for staying home

Hilda Isaacson, vicar of Bolsterstone, Deepcar and Stocksbridge, said: “There were a lot of people talking about the cross and saying it would be a real disappointment if it wasn’t lit this year.

“Many people across the valley see it as a real symbol of hope and unity, as well as faith, which is why we’ve decided to keep it lit for a little longer this year.”

Ms Isaacson said the cross is around 20 feet tall and has been lighting up the valley for more than 40 years.

Famous Sheffield statue painted in tribute to NHS - but not everyone's happy

Parishioners usually gather at the foot of the statue for a hymn service on Maundy Thursday, but social distancing brought in to prevent the spread of COVID-19 meant that couldn’t happen this year.

Ms Isaacson said that like people everywhere churches were having to find a new way of doing things, with services being delivered online, but the cross shows that some things remain constant.

The cross was created by Churches Together in Stocksbridge and District, and Ms Isaacson thanked the farmer in whose field it is placed and Liberty Steel, which provides the electricity.