CHURCH members from across Worcestershire and Dudley will take part in a pilgrimage to form the shape of a cross.

Groups will be walking from the north, south, east and west of the diocese to form the shape of a cross before arriving at Worcester Cathedral.

They will meet at the cathedral on Saturday afternoon for activities on College Green and a special service of prayer and praise in the cathedral.

The pilgrimage is part of the Thy Kingdom Come global wave of prayer and those walking will be praying for each of the areas that they pass through.

Others will be following the walkers and the route online.

The longest journey to the cathedral is from Dudley and Bishop Graham will be leading a group walking from Thursday afternoon to make it in time.

Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr John Inge will be walking with a group starting from Knightwick on Saturday morning.

Sue Adeney, church member in Hanley Castle has worked to put the routes together. She said: "We are looking forward to covering the whole diocese in a wave of prayer, from Wall Heath in the far north to Bushley in the south.

We hope people will come and join us for some or all of one of the walks.

The final hour or so should be special as people gather at the edge of Worcester and converge together at the cathedral.”

There will, be family activities, including a bouncy castle on College Green from 4pm on Saturday, June 3. For those who have walked, there will be a hog roast or veggie burgers available and an opportunity like pilgrims of old, to have their feet washed. The service of prayer and praise in the cathedral will begin at 7pm.

The four walks are:

• Bishop John will be walking the western route on Saturday, June 3 starting at Knightwick Chapel at 10am.

• Bishop Graham will be walking the northern route over three days, starting at the Ascension in Wall Heath at 3pm on Thursday 1 June.

• Jonathan Kimber, Director of Ministry and Discipleship, will be walking the southern route, starting at Upton Church at 10am.

• Nikki Groake, Archdeacon of Dudley will be walking the eastern route, starting at 10am at Flyford Flavell.

There are also pick up points just outside Worcester City around 3.30pm at the Ketch view point, Fernhill Heath and Worcester Woods Country Park, and Dines Green so that those who don’t wish to complete the full pilgrimage can join for the final stages. More information can be found at www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/thy-kingdom-come/pilgrimage.