Dawn Mass on Dover's Hill

But at least those who make the effort to get out of their beds for the special dawn mass on Dover's Hill should be guaranteed a spectacular view.

The Reverend Fred Dawson, rector of the Cotswold Edge Benefice that includes Weston-sub-Edge, Aston-sub-Edge, Mickleton, Saintbury and Willersey, will celebrate the Eucharist at the National Trust beauty spot near Chipping Campden at 6am on March 23. It is thought to be the first time such an outdoor service has been held on the hill.

The service, which Rev Dawson hopes will be attended not only by regular churchgoers but others who wish to celebrate Easter, will be a traditional service.

It will begin with a vigil as the day dawns, followed by the lighting of the Paschal candle, as well as individual candles for all those present. Worshippers will then be asked to reaffirm their baptismal vows before sharing Holy Communion.

"This is the traditional way of doing it first thing Easter morning," said Rev Dawson, who took over the parish nine months ago.

His major concern is that it will be light enough for the early start.

"Easter is only two days away from the earliest it can ever be and I'm told it's not going to be this early for another two centuries," said Rev Dawson, who said the idea for doing the service on Dover's Hill was his wife Billie's.

"It's a great spot and it's lovely to have it in the benefice area," he said.

After the service worshippers who have booked will have a special Easter breakfast at Aston-sub-Edge village hall.

In the event of seriously bad weather, the service will be transferred to Weston-sub-Edge parish church, a mile down the road from Dover's Hill.

Local parishioners are hoping the event may lay to rest a "ghost" that has existed for the past 150 years since a former rector of Weston-sub-Edge, Canon George Drinkwater, banned the ancient Dover's Hill Games, on the grounds that they were noisy and troublesome and brought a disreputable element into the area.