IN a huge display of Christian faith, around 200 church-goers took to the streets of Ainsworth.

The sun was beating down as members of Christ Church Ainsworth and Ainsworth Methodists held their annual Whit Walk through the village on Sunday.

Participants set off from their respective churches at around 10.30am for the walk — a tradition stretching back more than two centuries.

They were accompanied by Bolton Hoover Band — one of the longest running brass bands in the world.

The community then united for a large picnic lunch in the church hall.

Rev Dave Thomson said: "We couldn't have asked for better weather; it was brilliant sunshine all the way.

"Accompanied by a brass band, around 200 of us from Christ Church and Ainsworth Methodists made our way around the village.

"A lot of people came out to watch.

"We stopped in a couple of places to sing hymns and to pray for God's blessing upon the people of Ainsworth.

"Our Whit Walk is a long-standing tradition and long may it continue.

"As we walk, we witness to our faith in Jesus. We also remind ourselves of something important; that our faith should lead us to love and serve the world outside the four walls of our two churches."