A BUMPER family fun day is promised this weekend at the 22nd annual Orford Walking Day and festival.

Orford churches will gather on St Margaret's school field on Sunday, at 11.45am, ready for a short service of worship, with the procession leading off at 12.15pm.

The route will be the same as the past few years - the procession will turn left into School Road, Morgan Avenue, Statham Avenue, Poplars Avenue, Hallows Avenue and Hallfields Road, entering the park at the main entrance, in Hallfields Road, at approximately 1.15pm to 1.30pm.

The procession will be greeted by a hymn and prayer led by Father John Reed and welcomed by Brian Powney, chairman of the festival committee.

Despite acts of vandalism which partly destroyed the park's community centre, which serves as a caf serving refreshments on the day, Orford Park rangers and Warrington Borough Council have raised enough cash to erect a marquee for the day where food and drink will be provided.

This year, the festival will have a different 'walk-about' style, so the main acts can access the whole park and not just one enclosed area.

The Red Rose Parade Jazz Band will play New Orleans Dixie Music and a walk-about stilt man, magician and balloon sculptor will entertain the crowds.

Regular attractions will include Chadwick's fair, Punch and Judy, a magic show, caricature artist, a circus skills arena, displays from Cheshire Police and the fire service and the usual variety of charity stalls.

Admission to the festival, which runs until 4.30pm, is free.