JOHN Sentamu will sail into York on Wednesday accompanied by African drummers for his enthronement as the new Archbishop of York.

A pleasure boat will carry him up the Ouse from Bishopthorpe Palace at about 9.15am and drop him at Marygate landing, where he will be greeted by the Lord Mayor of York and other dignitaries.

The party will then walk through the Museum Gardens and up Duncombe Place to the Purey Cust Hospital where Dr Sentamu will prepare for the service at the Minster.

During the ceremony - which will be attended by up to 3,500 people - he will wash the feet of three children, mirroring the actions of Jesus with his disciples.

According the order of service, Dr Sentamu will then place a cross from El Salvador around the neck of youngsters who have taken part in the service, inscribed with the words: "Peace will flower when love and justice pervade our environment."

Hymns to be sung include the African hymn, Siya hamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos (We are marching in the light of God) and other favourites including Be Thou My Vision. The collection at the ceremony will raise funds for Martin House Children's Hospice and also a trust supporting Ugandan theological students who cannot afford their fees.

Prior to the service, the Lord Mayor, Coun Janet Greenwood, is to lead a procession to the Minster joined by the civic party, Honorary Aldermen, councillors, visiting dignitaries, council leaders from across the region, provincial Lord Lieutenants and the York Guilds.

The party will leave the Guildhall at 10.45am, travelling down Stonegate, High Petergate and into the West Door of the Minster for the Inauguration.

Dr Sentamu will become Britain's first black archbishop in a ceremony which will be broadcast live on BBC television, and is likely to attract massive attention across Britain and around the world.

He has already made headlines, for example with a recent call for the English to regain their pride in their country.

High profile guests attending the service have not yet been identified, although it has been rumoured that they may include the Deputy Prime Minister and Hull MP John Prescott, Cherie Blair and a member of the Royal Family.

Dr Sentamu, a Ugandan, has arranged for the entire congregation to be given a Marks & Spencer lunch in their seats in the Minster after the service.

Updated: 09:54 Tuesday, November 29, 2005