HUNDREDS of Christians marched on York carrying banners and balloons in a centuries-old tradition.

They walked in pilgrimage for three miles from Bishopthorpe Palace to York Minster to mark the feast of St Philip and St James on Monday.

When they reached their destination, the crowd was so great that the cathedral Great West Door was opened to let them flood inside to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers at the start of a Eucharist service in the nave.

The Christians, from West Yorkshire, were taking part in the centuries-old tradition of pilgrimage, combining religion with a fun day out. Explaining why the 1,200 pilgrims had chosen the Minster as their destination, the Bishop of Pontefract, the Rt Rev Anthony Robinson, said: "It's the mother church. We love coming to York."

He is the junior of the two bishops for the Diocese of Wakefield which organised the pilgrimage.

Christians from across the diocese, which covers part of West and South Yorkshire including Halifax, Wakefield and Pontefract, were among the pilgrims.

They started their day with a series of fun activities at the palace before setting out on their march.

Some did the journey in wheelchairs, pushed by others, some were so young they were carried in child buggies, but the majority were adults.

They carried banners from many different churches, a large white banner with the words Make Poverty History and a huge barrage of balloons which they released as they entered the Minster.

Some participants opted out of the riverside walk and used coaches to reach the Minster. They also brought both their bishops and two bands.

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, May 04, 2005