CHURCH leaders in Tavistock will be in Bedford Square tomorrow (Friday), offering a free shoe-clean to passers-by.

The initiative replaces the hymn-singing walk conducted round the town centre on Good Friday in previous years.

The Rev Jeff Moles, chair of Churches Together in Tavistock, said: 'The shoe shine echoes what Jesus did the night before he died on Good Friday — he got down on the floor and washed his friends' feet.

'We'll be keeping people's shoes firmly on, but felt that giving them a free polish shows Jesus's life of service on this key day in the Christian year.'

For those who prefer, free hand massage is also being offered by the church leaders. Free hot cross buns will be given out, and the Salvation Army band will be playing Good Friday hymns.

The Rev Michael Brierley, of Tavistock Parish Church, said: 'We wanted to do something of use to people, a tangible sign that the Christian life is about giving to others. Since on Good Friday, Jesus gave himself to death, our getting on the floor and doing a bit of polishing isn't too hard. I hope that people will bring along their grubbiest shoes!'