The most famous member of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution was missing from its 106th annual demonstration in Rasharkin yesterday.

Former First Minister Ian Paisley was unable to attend the event because of ill health.

Parade goers were told the 73-year-old, who traditionally makes the address in the field, was suffering from a viral throat infection and had lost his voice.

Comber Minister Reverend Thomas Murray stepped in to conduct the main address.

Dr Paisley's son Ian Jnr and grandchildren were among the families enjoying the festivities in the field while his party colleagues Gregory Campbell MP and Mervyn Storey MLA participated in the main parade.

In total 25 lodges and 15 bands including four Lambeg drums snaked their way through Rasharkin. And despite a weekend of rising sectarian tension the mood seemed fairly relaxed.

There was a relatively low turnout of supporters and it was thought some people had opted instead to watch the Loyal Order's main parade staged just a few miles away in Ballymoney.

The dozens who did turn out basked in warm sunshine and lined the route. Some local residents also came out of their houses to watch as the parade passed by.

Speaking from the platform Grand Master Cyril Glass made an appeal for new members. He said: “We need new members and need new people in the Order and we also need existing people to come back. I appeal to you to come and join our ranks.”

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Mr Glass said he believed the day had passed off well. He added: “There was quite a lot of negotiations going on behind the scenes and I would like to say congratulations to Rasharkin Lodge who have worked hard. I heard there was supposed to be a protest but I think it has been called off.

“We don't cause any trouble and we have paraded here many times. I live only three miles out of the village and I have friends in the area who are Roman Catholics as well as Protestants. I think there is a small group of people who are intent on trouble no matter where we would be. I don't think it is representative of the area or of the Roman Catholic people in the area.”