TORRENTIAL downpours rendered Chorley Walking Day a washout after organisers were forced to pull out at the last minute.
The multi-faith parade has taken place in the town centre for 150 years but Saturday's stormy conditions meant the procession was cancelled for only the second time in the last 30 years.
The Reverend John Cree, Rector of Chorley, said: "We were all very disappointed. The decision had to be taken just a few minutes before the parade was due to start because gales and torrential rain were forecast.
"The weather did clear up later in the afternoon, but of course it was too late for the parade to go ahead."
More than 1,000 churchgoers and bands take part in the event every year. They paraded in their own parishes as usual on Sunday.
Despite the cancellation, Rev Cree, however, said the day was a surprise success due to an impromptu church service at St Laurence's. He said: "We decided to hold a service instead and managed to get in touch with most of the parishes and many of them attended.
"Church leaders from across the north west, including the Bishop of Blackburn, the Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool and the chair of the Methodist district all took part and some of them have said they will come back next year because they enjoyed it so much."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article