JUSTICE was the theme of a procession and church service held in Colchester.

Members of the legal profession walked from the town’s magistrates’ court to St Botolph’s Church for the special event, which has its roots in a tradition going back almost 1,000 years.

The High Sheriff, this year Nicholas Charrington, organises the event annually, with the aim of praying for the wisdom, compassion and humility of the judiciary of the county.

Mr Charrington, who owns the historic Layer Marney Tower, said: “I thought it was fantastic.

“The justice service is held each year and it is really to pray for guidance and good judgement.

“It is also to bring together everybody involved.

“We had a really great service with lots of lovely hymns and the sermon was given by Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev Christopher Chessun.”

Also in attendance were the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Rev Roger Morris and the Bishop of Brentwood, the Rt Rev Alan Williams.

The procession was led by the Colchester Citadel of the Salvation Army and included two senior judges.

About 400 people attended the church service.

The history of the event dates back to the 12th century when Henry II ordered judges to visit each county to try serious cases and they were cared for by the High Sheriffs.

Before the judge sat in court, they would pray for wisdom, guidance and humility in conducting the trial. This happened until 1972, when the service was introduced instead.