HUNDREDS of people are expected to walk through Southampton promoting peace and understanding between different faiths today.

For the first time, this year a Greek Orthodox church will be participating in the 17th annual Peace Walk.

The Southampton Council of Faiths has organised the event, which starts at the Peace Fountain in East Park at 12.15pm.

The walk sees representatives of all the city’s major faiths coming together, and organisers say that it is a great opportunity to learn about different religions.

Participants will walk from the fountain towards Medina Mosque before moving on to the Vedic Society Hindu Temple.

Next will be the Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur Sahib Tegh in St Mark’s Road and then they will head to the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in Bernard Street.

The final stop is the Anglican St Mary’s Church.

Rashid Brora, president of the council of Faiths, who is also president of the mosque, said that it was a chance for people and show some “solidarity”.

He said: “It is a matter of people living in peace and harmony with each other, that is the message of what we are trying to do.

“That’s part of the process of going around various different places of worship.

“It is a way for the public to understand the work of the Southampton Council of Faiths and to get people walking together in harmony and promoting the faith that helps people. We are expecting 250 people to take part, but the more the merrier.”

Southampton City Sheriff Linda Norris will speak at the opening event at the fountain before the walk begins. Refreshments will be provided throughout the route.

For more information call Council of Faiths secretary David Vane on 07545 982838.