The first pageant of the new millennium was bathed in sunshine as the park celebrated the anniversary of the planting of its famous mile-long Chestnut Avenue.

Last year commemorated the 300th anniversary of the tree planting but according to Colin Pain, chairman of the Hampton Wick Association, the millennium celebration proved to be just as memorable.

He said: "It was a marvellous atmosphere. The procession went well - we thought it was going to be smaller than usual but it turned out to be almost as long as last year's."