WARRINGTON'S biggest street party went with a swing on Friday as 28 churches made their annual trip around the town.

Although the rain threatened to fall at times, in the end the sun shone down on the last Walking Day of the Millennium.

And the procession itself went without a hitch, with the walkers assembling on the lawn in front of the Town Hall before setting off around the town in style.

Thousands of Warringtonians eager to see the spectacle lined the streets dressed in their Sunday best clothes and cheered on the walkers.

This was the 166th Procession of Witness. It was originally designed by the town's churches to coincide with the Newton Races in a bid to combat drinking and gambling amongst townspeople.

The unique event has kept its religious roots, and still attracts massive crowds. Roads into and out of the town are closed off to allow the church walkers to process into town before making their way around the streets.

As usual the procession was led by parishioners from the Parish Church of St Elphin's, headed by the Warrington Brass band. Band founder and conductor Len Andrews was taking part in his 77th procession - and for parish rector Father Mike Finlay it was the first Walk in his new position.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Clr Tom Swift and wife Renee, waved the walkers off from their traditional spot opposite the Town Hall's Golden Gates.

And the party atmosphere continued long into the afternoon following the dispersal of the walkers, with town centre shops and pubs enjoying the extra trade brought by the thousands of visitors to the town.

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