A PUB is bringing the Easter message to its regulars by installing a replica of Christ's tomb and three crosses in its car park.The Shoulder of Mutton in Heworth, York, also plans to turn its main bar into the Garden of Gethsemane.

Susie Matthews: "It is not going to be in bad taste"

After closing on Wednesday night, turf will be laid on the floor and army netting hung from the ceiling to recreate the garden where Jesus prayed immediately before his betrayal and arrest.

The 8ft crosses, being made by Thompson Contractors in Sunderland, will be placed in the front car park on Thursday night, next to a tomb and stone being made out of papier mach.

Motorists on Heworth Green will be the first to see the display on Good Friday morning.

Publicans Paul Egan and Susie Matthews came up with the idea after the Shoulder of Mutton was named the 1999 Marketing Pub of the Year in The Publican awards in London. They won the title for launching a radio station in the basement.

It was their second successive award: last year they won the Pub Promotion of the Year for turning the building into a spaceship for a science fiction weekend.

Paul and Susie wanted to organise an Easter event and decided to make it a religious experience.

Susie said: "We thought it was something a little bit different. It's bringing home the true message of Easter.

"I don't really see why religion and pubs can't mix. We are talking about doing a collection for the Sunday schools."Hopefully, the way we are going to do it is not going to be in bad taste.

"The idea is to bring the message home, as well as having a party."

The Easter tableau will be dismantled on either Easter Monday or the day after.

The Team Rector of the Heworth Team Ministry, the Rev Donald Andrew, was reluctant to comment on the idea, but he did not think people would be offended by the move.

"It could draw people's attention to Easter and what Easter is really about. From that point of view some could say it was a good thing."

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