Thousands of people took to the streets of St Albans today to join the Archbishop of Canterbury in celebrating Britain’s first saint, Alban.

The Alban Pilgrimage is an annual event which retells the story of Saint Alban and his martyrdom, and recognises him for his importance to the Christian history of the city.

A procession took place, beginning at St Peter’s Church, with giant puppets representing Saint Alban and his executioners.

The crowds of spectators and celebrators then followed as the march continued on to the Town Hall, finishing at the West End of St Albans Cathedral.

A Festival Eucharist then took place at noon inside the cathedral, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Linda Haye, from Leverstock Green, worships at St Albans Cathedral.

She said: “It was a wonderful service and a very wonderful experience to see so many people of diverse culture worshipping together.

“The procession is always very well organised and very well done.

“The cathedral reflects the diversity of the county, and it’s a wonderful occasion to celebrate our saint.”

Hundreds of children from schools in the area were involved in the procession dressed as Roman soldiers, lions, roses and stained glass windows, and thousands of people waved flags as the procession passed by.

The Dean of St Albans, the Very Reverend Jeffrey John, said: “The Pilgrimage this year was magnificent, and drew an even bigger crowd than before in an atmosphere of tremendous excitement and joy.

"The Archbishop of Canterbury kept saying how astonished he was at the scale of the procession and the numbers of adults and children involved. St Albans City & District Council, the Police, the Market and the Fire Brigade (who supplied the ‘miraculous spring’) were a huge support in making possible this wonderful event as the centre of our Alban Festival.

"Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it such a success.”

Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, Mayor of St Albans City and District, who also took part in the procession, said: “We are very honoured to have The Most Rev’d Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, with us to take part in this special event for our District.

It was wonderful to see so many people actively commemorating Britain’s first saint in the City that bears his name.”

For a gallery of images, click here.