A PILGRIMAGE will be held to honour one of Dorset’s most famous writers.

There will be a pilgrimage from St Peter’s Church in Dorchester to Winterborne Came and back in honour of William Barnes, who wrote more than 800 poems.

The group will be visiting Barnes’ grave where they will hear some of his poetry read by members of the William Barnes Society.

John Williams, one of the event’s organisers said: “The walk starts from Barnes’ statue outside St Peter’s church in High West Street.

“We’ll then walk south through Dorchester, bridge the bypass then walk over the fields and into Winterbourne Came.

“At the church, where Barnes was rector and where he and his wife Julia are buried, we can explore and hear a couple of his poems, written in Dorset dialect, kindly given by members of the William Barnes Society.

“Retracing our steps, we look forward to tea and light refreshments at St Peter’s; I thank the vicar and wardens for their support.”

“For more details and to help us arrange refreshments or transport for the return of those who need this please email email jtrelewis@hotmail.co.uk.”

The walk will take place from 2pm on Sunday, July 28.