MEMBERS of an East Cornwall Women's Institute took to Harrowbarrow and Metherell Village Hall to perform a rousing rendition of Jerusalem, as part of a special centenary baton relay to celebrate the federation's 100th anniversary.

The ceremony, on Monday, saw Harrowbarrow and Metherell WI accept the baton from members of the Pensilva institute, who arrived by vintage tractor.

Filled with WI photographs old and new, the baton has been handed around the country to mark the milestone anniversary and celebrate the links of friendship developed through the movement.

Callington Town Crier Tony Stentiford and chair of Calstock Parish Council John Roberts joined the celebrations along with others. Following the handover, the president of Harrowbarrow and Metherell WI accompanied the baton to Harrowbarrow Village Hall in a classic MG sports car, where a pasty lunch was served.

The celebration was due to take place at the top of Kit Hill, but due to the weather, it was held in the village hall.

Jenny Snuggs, president of Harrowbarrow and Metherell WI, said: 'This is a significant year for our WI as we celebrate our 50th birthday as well as the federation's centenary. This is a very important occasion in our history.'

The WI Federation centenary baton relay started at Anglesey on January 1, 2014, and is due to end at the Royal Albert Hall in London on June 3 this year for the national federation's annual meeting.

The baton will travel in various ways and be handed over in many iconic places as it journeys among the 69 federations in the UK.

The baton was in Cornwall from February 17 to February 24, when it crossed the Tamar Bridge into Devon.