It's Walking Day!

WARRINGTON’S 174th Walking Day took to the streets today- with more than 3,000 people celebrating the annual Walk of Witness.
The event was made extra special with a delegation from Warrington’s twin town of Hilden joining the walk to mark the 40th anniversary of the town twinning.
Despite the heavy rain of last night, the weather remained fine, but humid.
It’s believed today is the 174th Walking Day, but no-one can be sure. All that is known is that a former Rector of Warrington, the Rev Horace Powys, founded the celebration as a counter-attraction to Newton Race, which were luring so many townsfolk to the evils of drink.
Newton Races are long gone – but Walking Day continues and several thousand people are expected to walk today – young and old.
This year’s event was extra special because there were guests from South Africa – currently in town to visit Woolston High School – and from Warrington’s German twin town, Hilden. They all be watched the procession as Mayor and Mayoress Graham and Elaine Welborn take the salute as the procession passed through the famous Golden Gates in front of the Town Hall.
The Hilden party, led by the Bürgermeister Günter Scheib, then joined the Mayor and Mayoress to take part in the walk.
Meanwhile the Bürgermeister and Mayor will jointly officially open Hilden Square on Sankey Street (adjacent to the White Hart pub and Marks and Spencer) at 12 noon tomorrow. Music will be provided by Great Sankey High School Swing Band.
Click here for more pictures from Walking Day http://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/gallery/main.php and an exclusive movie of the event will appear later today.
Pictures show Warrington Youth for Christ (top) Great Sankey twins Olivia and Owen Brown and Bürgermeister Günter Scheib and Mayor of Warrington Graham Welbourne.