YOUNGSTERS stepped out with the Archbishop of Canterbury for their annual pilgrimage to the Cathedral on Easter Monday.

Dr Rowan Williams joined about 25 people at St Nicholas Church in Sturry for the two-mile walk as part of Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage 2007.

Several hundred parishioners from across the county converged on the Cathedral in cars, on bikes and on foot with banners with two other groups walking from Patrixbourne and Chilham.

The theme of this year’s event and celebration service was You Can Make a Difference and many groups were experiencing the pilgrimage for the first time.

Sixteen year-old Jade Deegan, from All Saints Church, Lydd, said: "I have not been here before and want to see what it’s like."

Mum Julie Deegan is youth club co-ordinator for the church.

She said: "Events like today show youngsters that if they stand strong and stay true to themselves then anything is possible."

A celebration service included a sermon from the Archbishop and later youngsters split into groups for workshops in the Cathedral grounds.

Guest speaker Mark Russell spoke to the congregation on behalf of the Church Army.

* More details and pictures in Thursday's Kentish Gazette.