A group of pilgrims, walking to 42 Anglican Cathedrals in the country, arrived at Blackburn Cathedral recently.

The trek embarked upon by the Pommie Pilgrims, named for the sound of the village band, is in aid of raising funds for the modernisation of their 12th-century church.

All Saints Church, located in the Peak District village of Youlgrave, the church needing a refurb, is a Grade One listed building that was also featured in Simon Jenkins’ book ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’.

Despite having undergone numerous alterations since its founding in 1155, it is still lacking in crucial amenities like heating, kitchen facilities and toilets.

Richard Tucker, one of the 27 pilgrims, said: "I was particularly looking forward to walking to Blackburn Cathedral as the Dean, Peter Howell-Jones, is an old friend and colleague.

"We share a love and concern for Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, and for the church there."

They are raising funds to fix their churchThey are raising funds to fix their church (Image: Youlgrave Church)

The journey for Mr Tucker and his group began on March 26 when their arrival at Derby Cathedral signalled the first milestone of the pilgrimage.

So far, eleven other cathedrals have been reached including Worcester, Gloucester, Hereford, Chelmsford, Exeter, Chester, Sheffield, Southwell and Ely.

The Pommie Pilgrims hope to raise £42,000 towards renovations for All Saints, the full cost of which is still under research.

Canon Jane Clay, chair of the Pommie Pilgrimage organising group, said: "Our hope to connect Youlgrave with each Cathedral in the country via pilgrimage is a huge challenge and feels like an impossible task, but one step at a time, together, we’ll get there."

The Pommie Pilgrims started their journey on Palm Sunday, March 24, and aim to have reached all 42 cathedrals by All Saints’ Day, November 1.