A colourful procession took place in and around one of the city's cathedrals at the weekend as the Global Filipino Catholic Community in Norwich celebrated a special religious festival.

Starting at the Holy Trinity Church, the parade moved to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist where a service was held for Santacruzan yesterday.

In The Philippines the Santacruzan is celebrated along with the festival Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) throughout the country.

It was introduced in the Philippines by the Spaniards, and it commemorates the search for the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena), the mother of Constantine the Great.

In yesterday's procession Queen Helena was represented along with six other queens, and children held flowers to offer them to the Virgin Mary.

Tess Ward, who was one of the queens in the procession, said: 'It was a very special and a very successful day. It was very well attended with about 400 people taking part.

'It is the second time we have celebrated Santacruzan in Norwich.'

Following the service yesterday, the celebrations moved to Breckland Hall for a show and reception and a crowning of the queens.

PHOTO: ADRIAN JUDD