A PROCESSION and service, fast becoming a New Year's Eve tradition in a cathedral city, will take place for the third time on Monday.

Durham Churches Together, made up of members of city congregations, staged the first procession to mark the onset of the year 2000.

Such was the popularity of the millennium-event it was repeated last year and it will now be staged again this New Year's Eve. The procession will leave the Market Place, led by Pittington Brass Band, at 5.50pm.

It will wind up the narrow streets of the city centre peninsula towards Durham Cathedral for a special service, at 6.15pm.

Organiser Kirsty Thomas, secretary of Durham Churches Together, said the timing has been deliberately chosen to avoid the peak of the New Year festivities later in the evening, when it can become boisterous with revellers in the city centre.

"We're hoping that the early time will allow families to join in before the celebrations begin," she said.

Once the procession reaches the cathedral candle torches will be distributed to light the way round the cloisters, creating an atmospheric effect.

All are welcome to take part, to celebrate the passing of the old year and herald in the New Year. Anyone considering joining the procession is encouraged to take a storm lantern to help to light up the route to add to the effect