Fund raising launch to keep traditional event alive

Organisers of the annual Whit Walks have had to pay for marshals for the event since 2015 after Lancashire Police announced it would no longer be able to provide officers for the procession.

The day was saved when ward councillors stepped in with money from the Ward Opportunities Fund which helped towards paying for a team of marshals in 2015.

But since then organisers have raised funds to meet the £650 bill for the team of marshals.

A coffee morning will be held later this month to help raise funds for the marshals.

The procession, which involves all the churches in Padiham and St Margaret's in Hapton, has been a traditional high spot in the town's calendar for over 100 years.

Worshippers from each church and members of uniformed organisations take part and crowds gather to watch the procession which runs through Padiham town centre.

Kath Hudson, warden at St Leonard's Church which organises the event, said: "This is a popular tradition that we want to keep going so we are hoping that people will support it.

"We are also hoping that some people may come forward to act as volunteers to help on the day."

The coffee morning will be held on Saturday, April 29th at St Leonard's Church from 10am to noon.

Admission is £1 including refreshments and there will be a variety of stalls selling cakes, books and bric-a-brac.

There will also be a raffle and tombola.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the Whit Walks is asked to contact either Kath Hudson on 01282 774475 or John Sellick on 01282 773985.