IT may be three years away but organisers of a grassroots Winchester festival are making progress, a meeting heard.

Hyde 900 will celebrate the 900th anniversary of the burial of King Alfred at Hyde Abbey.

Local people are organising an ambitious series of cultural, artistic, social events to mark the laying to rest of England's greatest monarch.

They hope it will highlight the history and talents of Winchester people.

Among the highlights will be a pageant, to recreate the last journey from the cathedral to Hyde Abbey in 1110. The search is underway to find a scriptwriter for the performance.

Noel Jones, chairman of the pageant committee, told Hyde 900's annual meeting on Saturday (June 9): "It is an exciting opportunity. Someone will have created a legacy that will be handed down through generations, like the Canterbury Tales, that will be performed in the streets and in the schools. We hope it will be a long-lasting legacy."

The winner of the scriptwriting competition will be announced in the autumn.

Another high-profile project will be an exhibition of some of the historic treasures of Hyde Abbey which were scattered in the 16th century.

Paul Williams, a trustee, said an estimated £250,000 would be needed for all the events. Charitable status had been achieved and applications for lottery funding would be made.

Mr Williams there was a concern that the London Olympics of 2012 may put pressure on the amount available for other projects.

There are other projects being planned including arts, music, faith, environmental and sports, the meeting at Hyde Parish Hall heard.

One of the first major events will be a cycle ride from Wantage, Alfred's birthplace to Winchester. The first will be on May 5 2008 and it set to be held annually, said organiser Penny Hoolahan.

Meanwhile a co-ordinator is being sought for the Living History group which aims to gather stories from long-time residents.