FIFTY-seven pupils and their parents from Arnside and Storth CofE primary schools took part in a sponsored walk along part of the parish boundary.

The walk was part of the celebrations of the 150th Anniversary of the consecration of Arnside Parish Church in 1866.

The six mile walk, led by the Arnside Ramblers, went from Arnside School along the old railway embankment to St John’s Cross, up through Storth village and along the old coffin route to Fairy Steps and back down to Arnside, via Hazelslack Tower.

A total of 120 walkers, with several dogs, completed the walk and each participant received a Certificate of Achievement. They then enjoyed a barbeque provided by the schools’ PTAs, and cooked by the vicar, Rev David Cooper, and his team.

The church in Arnside was originally a Chapel of Ease under the jurisdiction of Beetham parish and became a parish in its own right, by decree of Queen Victoria, in1870.

This is noted on one of two remaining parish boundary marker stones engraved StJ D C 1870 (St James in the Diocese of Carlisle) in Cockshot Lane, Storth, which all the walkers stopped to view.

Alan Mitchell, the co-ordinator of events for the 150th celebrations said: “It is great to see various parts of the village community coming together to enjoy a day’s walk in the sun to help us celebrate the village church anniversary.”

Future events include a Village Bowls Challenge, concerts, an Open Garden and celebratory church services to which all are welcome to attend.