MORE than 800 people are expected to be involved later this month with a tradition dating back almost 200 years.

The annual Leek Club Day – or walking round day – continues to uphold its strong traditions.

And there are high hopes for this year's event which takes place on Saturday July 11.

Since 1828, Club Day has managed to adapt to ever-changing times while maintaining its core principles and ideologies.

The open-air service and procession includes hymn singing, banners and bands with members of local schools, scout and guide groups, church members and Sunday school children all taking part.

For Christian procession co-ordinator Pat Baldwin the charm of the day is still as prominent as ever.

She said: ''I first walked around on Club Day when I was two and that's what started it for me. I love it, it's a wonderful tradition and one that cannot be allowed to die.

''It's a Christian procession of witness and a great opportunity for children, whether they go to church or not, to be involved in a big event.''

St Mary's Roman Catholic Church are set to lead the procession this year with ten churches taking part, two of which are from rural parts of the Staffordshire Moorlands.

The Salvation Army will be involved again and are to be joined in leading the worship by Bishop David McGough, who will be doing so for the first time.

This year's theme is Love, following on from last year's theme of Hope In Action.

Among the entertainment will be a guitarist performance as the hordes of worshippers march through the centre of Leek.

The celebration of the Christian faith promises to create a carnival atmosphere in the town with tradition playing a big part in the event.

Club Day promotion has been as busy as ever and Pat Baldwin is hopeful of a very successful day.

She added: "It's much bigger to organise now than when I first took over.

We are competing with lots of other events happening on the same day.

''The traffic hold-up is a big issue and I hope that they will bear with us. Various local traders have been very helpful.''

Pat also hopes the day will prove to be an enjoyable one for the children taking part.

She said: "Three generations of my family will be involved and I encourage as many people as possible to turn out.

"The day will be part of the children's memories and I hope they have a memorable time."

The first song will be The Beatles' All You Need Is Love and Club Day begins at 1.30pm on Saturday July 11.