Civic dignitaries from across the region took part in an annual parade through Downham Market yesterday which recognises the town's once pre-eminent place in horse trading.

The event is also a celebration of the continued success of the town's markets, which were granted to the town in 1046 by Edward the Confessor.

People lined the streets to watch the civic procession, led by Bernard, a Suffolk punch from nearby Church Farm, make its way from the town council offices in Paradise Road, to the Hollies car park just after 9am.

Mayors and mayoresses also joined borough and town councillors in talking to the children from Hillcrest and Clackclose primary schools in the car park who designed and made horse rosettes for the St Winnold's Day parade.

The procession then made its way up Bridge Street before arriving at the busy market outside the Town Hall where the charter received from Edward The Confessor was then read out by town crier Ray Wales.

West Norfolk mayor Colin Sampson toasted the town before Downham Market mayor Val Starling welcomed the town's guests and invited them, into the Town Hall to enjoy a celebratory breakfast with locally sourced ingredients.