THOUSANDS of visitors took part in the traditional Good Friday trek at Rivington Pike in the glorious sunshine.

Walkers donned shorts and T-shirts to enjoy stunning views for miles around as they ate their picnics.

The 1,000ft trek to the top of the pike is a family tradition observed for generations.

It was started by Christians in the 19th Century to remember Christ’s suffering on the cross.

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team had 22 members and five vehicles on standby.

They were alerted to a walker with a suspected lower leg fracture at White Coppice at 12.05pm, but were not required after an air ambulance managed to land nearby.

At 12.30pm, a 65-year-old man fell in Georges Lane, Horwich. Paramedics attended, but the man refused treatment.

Campaign group Rivington Against Greenbelt Exploitation took advantage of the large numbers expected and were out canvassing for signatures for a petition.

The group, RAGE, fears Armstrongs-owned Montcliffe and Pilkington quarries will be turned into a huge recycling centre.

Members are concerned about an increase in the number of HGVs, which will impact on locals, and also the damage it would do to the countryside.

RAGE is aiming to get 4,000 signatures to spark a council debate about the quarries.

More than a dozen members were collecting signatures, and by 1.30pm more than 600 people had backed the campaign.

Spokesman Marcus Simmons said: “It is very busy and 90 per cent of the people we have asked have supported what we are doing and signed the petition.

“The gods are shining on us with the weather too.”

They will also be collecting signatures today along the route of the Rivington Pike Fell Race.