A free bus tour marking the life of hymn writer Cecil Frances Alexander takes place on Saturday April 25 in Strabane, Tyrone.

The tour covers locations in Strabane, Derry and Killeter where Alexander lived at two points in her life. Organised by the Churches Trust with PEACEPLUS funding and support from Derry City and Strabane District Council, the event connects sites tied to her poetry and hymns.

Alexander wrote hymns including All Things Bright and Beautiful and Once In Royal David’s City during her time in Strabane.

The itinerary starts with a talk by Gordon Smyth on Christ Church history in Strabane's Bowling Green. The bus then travels through rural Tyrone to Milltown House and Baronscourt Estate, followed by St Bestius’ Church in Killeter and Aghyaran.

Participants cross into Donegal to visit a Church of Ireland site and the area of Alexander's former home at The Old Rectory in Fahan.

In Derry, lunch is served at the Diocesan Offices. The afternoon includes the Bishop’s Palace and St Columb’s Cathedral, which features a stained glass window dedicated to Alexander. The tour ends at her grave in City Cemetery before returning to Strabane.

Project coordinator Sinéad Smyth stated that the tour links locations, poetry and participants to recognise Alexander's contributions as a poet, hymn writer and figure with social conscience. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.co.uk.