LED by Roman Soldiers and Sophie the donkey, hundreds of residents made their way through Silchester to celebrate Palm Sunday.

The young and the old joined together for the 22nd annual procession through the historic village.

Walkers started at the village hall and stopped for songs, readings and prayers, before making their way to the amphitheatre for the climax of the event - the Holy Communion.

The Reverend Andrew Ashdown, of St Mary the Virgin Church, Silchester, and the Archdeacon of Winchester, the Venerable John Guille, led worshippers in prayers and hymns.

Rev Ashdown said: "This is very much a village occasion and it is great that the whole community has gathered to remember the significance of Palm Sunday and also to celebrate the great historical links we have with the Romans here in Silchester."

Tadley Concert Brass accompanied the singing at the amphitheatre and a collection for Christian Aid was made at the end of the service.

Sophie Axford, who is from Bramley, but whose children attend Silchester Church of England Primary School, said: "I think it is great, especially for the children, to celebrate this religious festival and the links that the village has with the Romans. It's also a great opportunity to encourage worshipping in the open air."

Noreen Smith, who helped organise the event, said: "This is always a big event for people in the village and from surrounding areas.

"We usually start from the Calleva Museum, but after its closure last year, we had to start from a different venue, so the village hall seemed the ideal place, and it has worked very well."

First published: Thursday, April 13, 2006