REV Judy Ashby, vicar of St Sampson's Church in Cricklade, and other members of the congregation will be chained up to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.

The event is being held in the High Street to mark Freedom Day but also to raise awareness of the continuing problem of human trafficking around the world.

The abolitionists of the 18th and 19th centuries generated a mass movement for an end to slavery.

In 2007, campaigners want to do the same - to inform people about the evils of human trafficking and to call for change that will prevent the sale of people, prosecute traffickers and protect the victims.

Rev Ashby said: "It may be 200 years since the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, but people trafficking continues today in many parts of the world.

"Raising awareness of this issue is vital, so vital that I'm even willing to be chained up for it."

Passers-by will also be encouraged to make their mark on a Freedom Wall with messages of support or handprints. This will then go on display at the church.

The event will run from 9.30am-noon on Saturday (MAR 24).