As pilgrims walking the four ways of the Pilgrimage of Hope entered the Diocese of Nottingham local people geared up to give the walkers a warm welcome to Nottingham and to help them end their journeys with a weekend of reflection, celebration and thanksgiving.

The Right Reverend Patrick McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham, said:

“It’s a privilege for me to be able welcome the ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ to the Diocese, and an honour that the city and the Cathedral of Nottingham has been chosen as their destination.

“Across the centuries people of many faiths and cultures have found pilgrimage to be a powerful way to encounter the divine and find hope for themselves and others. No-one can undertake the kind of journey these pilgrims are taking and not be changed. I wish them safe travels and a memorable welcome in Nottingham.

“In a world where hope can seem fragile, I pray that they will return home with deepened faith in God and renewed hope for humanity.”

Bishop Patrick joined the pilgrims walking the Southern St John's Way at Keyworth for the last day's walk.