A FORMER street robber whose life was transformed when he found God walked through Blackburn carrying a cross to pass on an Easter message.

Damon Dugdale re-enacted the walk Jesus made to his own execution in Jerusalem.

He walked from the Infirmary area up Bolton Road, through the town centre and back again. The 32-year-old single father hoped to stimulate some reaction from shoppers and passers-by.

Damon 'found God' 15 years ago after a wasted youth spent stealing handbags from the elderly, car thefts and recreational drug using.

As he got older the torment of seeing the world as "evil" caused him depression until he said a prayer at a church in Accrington in 1990. Since then he has lead a law-abiding and "fulfilling" life to the relief of his family.

The full-time father, who lives in Infirmary Street, made the cross himself.

He said: "People have these holidays and it's Easter weekend but they really don't realise what Easter is all about.

"It's not a critical thing. I don't just ear-bash people I get alongside people and help them, let them know that the cross is all about Jesus dying for the sins of the world."

Now Damon leads a "happy" life looking after his two-and-a-half year-old son Luke.

A spokesman for the Church of England in Lancashire said: "Christians of all denominations will support this and thank him for his courage."