ALTON'S All Saints parish is preparing to receive a ceremonial Pilgrims' Staff, carved to commemorate 2,000 years of Christianity, this weekend.

The five C of E diocese through which the ancient Pilgrim's Way passes between Winchester and Canterbury combined to commission the staff, which will be passed from parish to parish along the entire route.

A full version of this story will be found in the Alton Herald of February 11, 2000.