NESTON town centre resonated to the sound of pipes and drums and enthusiastic cheering on Thursday as the annual Ladies Day Walk took place.

Around 200 girls, some as young as five, and 80 adults took part in the historic procession through the town, more properly called Neston Ladies Club Day, led by a pipe band, with thousands of people lining the route.

Mums, dads, grandparents and friends applauded warmly as the ensemble progressed.

The centre had been temporarily closed to traffic by Cheshire Police officers who also appeared to be enjoying the lively spectacle.

The ladies and girls carried their traditional white staffs topped with flowers all decorated with brightly-coloured ribbons as the Walk got underway from the Malt Shovel along the High Street to Neston Parish Church, where a short service was held.

The parade then continued from the church to The Cross for blessings and hymns and on to the Civic Hall for Neston Female Society's annual meeting.

A galaxy of entertainment had been marshalled to perform on stage at The Cross and for once the weather behaved itself - the old market town basked in bright sunshine.

In ever-changing times, the Walk keeps alive a fine old tradition with new generations eagerly taking part.

Dating from 1814, the Neston Female Society has organised the event every year on the first Thursday in June, apart from during the war years.

It is the highlight of the calendar for society, believed to be the only surviving organisation of its kind in the country.

They marched under their banner - "Bear Ye One Another’s Burdens" - a line of Scripture taken from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

A fitting axiom for the society's commendable community spirit.