It is one of the most revered objects in Christianity.

Eastern Daily Press: The Turin Shroud. Photo: PAThe Turin Shroud. Photo: PA

The Shroud of Turin is a 14ft-long linen cloth which some say was used to wrap the body of Christ after his crucifixion.

While the actual Shroud is housed in Turin Cathedral, a life-sized replica is coming to Norwich's St John the Baptist Cathedral as part of a special exhibition.

Cathedral education officer Jo Anderton said: 'The exhibition should help the visitor understand the nature of the Passion of Christ and the story of Easter.

'The Shroud of Turin also offers a mystery story that ties together many different disciplines – religion, science, art, archaeology and history, and yet even in the 21st century there are no answers to the question 'How was the image formed?'' There has long been scepticism about the authenticity of the Shroud, with some academics believing it is a medieval fake.

The free exhibition will be open from Monday, March 7 to Friday, March 18 from 7.30am to 6.30pm.

For more information, contact admin@sjbcathedral.org.uk or call 01603 724380.