THE ninth annual Warrington Community Peace Walk will get off to a good start this year with a series of events leading up to the actual walk on Tuesday, March 13.

The first walk was held in 1993 following the IRA bombing in the town centre which claimed the lives of Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry.

Since then the people of Warrington have united in their quest for peace and the walk contributes to charities both in Warrington and Ireland including; Warrington Disability, the Mayor's charity, River of Life, Lifeline in Belfast, Peace 93 in Dublin, Peace People in Belfast and St Rocco's Hospice.

The week long celebration of events starts with a race night at the Alliance Centre on Norman Street on Saturday, March 10 at 7.30pm.

Participants can buy a horse for £2 and gain free entry or enjoy live entertainment and a charity raffle at the King's Head at 7.30pm.

A touch of Las Vegas comes to town on Sunday, March 11 with a casino night at the Lord Rodney, starting at 7.30pm. Casino vouchers will be exchanged for £150 funny money to gamble with.

On Monday, March 12, the Irish club is holding a trivia darts fun night. Entrance is £2 for teams of two.

The Peace Walk will start at St Elphin's church at 7pm and finish at St Benedict's club with nightlong celebrations featuring live music and a disco. Tickets are £2.

World Lady's Pool Champion Sue Thompson will play in a pool competition at the Irish Club on Thursday, March 15 from 8pm onwards. Tickets are priced at 2pm.

The culmination of the week's events is the St Patrick's Day Parade through the town, starting at 10am from the peace centre.