THOUSANDS of walkers made the traditional Good Friday trek 1,000 feet up to the top Rivington Pike.

Families, couples, children and dog walkers donned waterproofs and made picnics for their trip to the summit, where they were treated to panoramic views.

The annual pilgrimage to the Pike was started by Christians in the 19th century to remember Christ's suffering on the cross.

Many people doing the walk this time were continuing a family tradition - past generations having trekked up the Pike every Good Friday.

Keen walkers Joan and Stuart Cooper, of Scott Lane, Blackrod, took their daughter Stephanie, aged 12.

Stuart, aged 48, said: "It's family tradition. We come here every year, weather permitting."

Eddie Hicks, aged 59, of Douglas Avenue, took his 14-month-old grandson, Ciaran Green, to the top of the Pike.

He said: "We live in Horwich so we are up here all the time, but we want to bring Ciaran up here every Good Friday."

Dorothy and Jim Hunt, from Over Hulton, treated themselves to a flask of coffee when they reached the summit. Dorothy, aged 57, said: "This is the first time we have been up here over Easter and it's smashing."

Jim, aged 59, said: "It's worth every bit of effort."

Meanwhile brother and sister Dominick and Chloe Andrews, aged eight and six, wanted to run to the peak.

Their auntie Melanie Andrews, from Atherton, said: "I like to bring them every year because their parents have to work. They finished making their own Easter Eggs and then we came here."

At the base of the steep climb were some fairground rides and a fun slide to keep the children happy.

The Greater Manchester Ambulance Service helicopter was called out after a 12-year-old boy injured his leg while climbing the Pike. Members of Bolton Mountain Rescue team had been unable to reach the boy, but his injuries were not thought to be serious.