THE sun shone as church, school and community groups gathered for Stockton Heath Walking Day on Saturday.

Families clapped and sang along as The Rev Michael Ridley, of St Thomas’s Church, held a lively service at Alexandra Park.

Church, school, Scout and Guide groups and their bands then paraded into the village centre which was packed with people lining the streets.

The aim of Walking Day is for Christian groups to celebrate their faith and their part in the community.

It was also a bumper day for the village’s pubs and restaurants as visitors made the most of the sunshine.