MALMESBURY Mayor John Bowen said newcomers to the town were impressed by the traditional Beating of the Bounds procession through the town on Sunday.

The one and a half hour procession, marking the historic sites of the town, went from The Market Cross to The Clapper Bridge at Daniel's Well, between 3pm to 4.30pm.

Coun Bowen led the procession, which also involved representatives from Churches Together, and other Malmesbury town councillors.

The procession stopped at regular intervals for prayers, which were led by the chaplain of Malmesbury Abbey, the Rt Rev Peter Yacomeni.

"People who have recently arrived in the town were raving about it," said Coun Bowen, who said it was the third year in a row that the town council had organised the event.

The procession went from The Market Cross, which was originally in the precinct of Malmesbury Abbey and had been part of the Anglo-Saxon graveyard.

From there, watched by around 30 townspeople, the procession moved on down the High Street to St John's Bridge, and into St John's Street.

Progressing along St John's Street, the procession went over Goose Bridge before walking towards the Mill House and over River Walk.

After crossing St Leonard's Bridge, which was rebuilt around 100 years ago the procession moved over the Abbey Bridge.

It went from Staines Bridge, via Park Road, Pool Gastons Road and Bristol Street, before finishing at Clapper Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in the town.

Coun Bowen said the procession was due to take place again next year, and he hoped it was here to stay.

"It was an excellent day and a very, very good community event," he added.