A CENTURIES' old tradition of blessing and reclaiming the coastal waters is taking place next month.

Residents are invited to the blessing of the waters, fish and boats in Brightlingsea which takes place on the nearest tide-correct Sunday to Ascension Day.

The Christian festival celebrates the ascension of Jesus to heaven after his resurrection on Easter Day.

Proceedings are being held on Sunday, May 28.

The blessing on the jetty hammerhead and on board the moored Pioneer Smack boat, is being delivered by the Bishop of Colchester Roger Morris and the clergy of Brightlingsea, led by Reverend Anne Howson at 12.45pm.

It is followed by the Reclaiming of the Waters, a noisy procession of sailing Smack boats along Brightlingsea Creek to Bateman’s Tower, where the waters are blessed at the mouth of the creek.

Brightlingsea joined the Cinque Ports more than 650 years ago to gain support to counter challengers to its rights over its water.

It is the only Cinque Port north of the Thames.

Brightlingsea’s Cinque Port deputy’s civic procession assembles at midday outside St James Church in High Street.

The colourful procession will then set off following the band at 12.15pm down to the Hard where the Town Crier will make this second address.

For event updates, follow @BlessWatersBsea on Twitter.