EXCITING and spectacular was how the "slightly nervous" Dean of Worcester summed up the forthcoming Prince Arthur commemorations.

Speaking at the King's School theatre yesterday, The Very Rev Peter Marshall was full of enthusiasm at the opening of the four-day spectacle to mark the 500th year of the prince's death.

He introduced an audience to the schedule of lectures and events and joked he was a "little worried" at the thought of a knight on white horse trotting down the Cathedral's aisle.

"It should be spectacular and having the same white steed used in the gladiator movies should attract a few younger people," he said. Guest speakers today include historian David Starkey, who will be talking about The Monarchy, the Church and the Making of Englishness at 8pm. Tickets for the event at Huntingdon Hall are £5.

Tomorrow's re-enactment of the horse-drawn funeral procession, will begin in New Road at 6.30pm.

The route will make its way along Broad Street, St Swithins Street and the Cornmarket before heading down New Street, Friar Street, College Street and to the Cathedral for 8.30pm.

Vespers will be heard at 9pm, followed by the symbolic horse carrying Prince Arthur to his final resting place after the service.

For further information contact The Chapter on 01905 21004.

l Prince Arthur was King Henry VIII's older brother and heir to the Tudor throne. He was married first to Katherine of Aragon but died, as a teenager, at Ludlow Castle.