THERE was standing-room only in many churches in York over the Easter period, setting a trend for increased congregations in the coming months.

York Minster saw more than 1,800 worshippers at its Easter Sunday service, with many visitors forced to stand in the aisles to see the service led by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who also carried out a number of open air baptisms.

Head verger Alex Carberry said attendance figures were high at all the extra Easter services since Thursday, particularly at the Three Hours On The Cross service on Friday.

Mr Carberry said: "The service went on while people were walking around the Minister, so we had a constant flow of people taking part. It had an almost continental feel."

Prayers were led by Canon Glyn Webster.

Mr Carberry said the attendance figures were particularly high at the Minster at the moment.

He said: "As the numbers of visitors to York increase, so do the number of people coming to the Minster. This is a very busy time."

At St Wilfreds Church, in Petergate, congregation figures doubled at the Easter Sunday service. And with 60 people signing up to become full members, the church is looking forward to greater attendances in the future.

Parish Priest Michael Ryan said there had been about 600 people at the Sunday service.

He said: "We did have magnificent numbers on Sunday at the 11am service. We couldn't get anyone else in and people had to stand in the aisles."

Mr Ryan also said the Church's biggest service, the Easter vigil, on Saturday night was attended by more than 200 worshippers.

People also crammed into the aisles of St Edward the Confessor Church, in Tadcaster Road, on Sunday.

The church saw an increase in attendance figures on last year across its five Easter services.

The Rev Martin Baldock said: "Easter Sunday was a good day, and the number of people turning out for Church was very encouraging."

Mr Baldock said congregation figures usually rose during the Easter period but hoped the high attendance would continue for the months ahead. He said: "There are some people who make a special effort at certain times of year, and for some coming to church week by week is more important. We welcome anyone who comes when they want to."

St George's Church, in Peel Street, also reported congregations of 500 - 600 people over the weekend.