STEEPED in tradition, it was a symbolic spectacle which brought scores of well-wishers to the old bridge linking County Durham and North Yorkshire.

At noon on Sunday, the crowds on Croft Bridge, over the River Tees, witnessed a ceremony being performed for only the third time in the past 250 years.

The new Bishop of Durham, Canon Tom Wright, strolled to the centre to receive the ancient Conyers Falchion - the sword, legend has it, which was used to slay the ferocious Sockburn dragon 900 years ago.

Canon Wright, who was making his first official visit to the most southerly point of his diocese, was presented with the falchion by the Area Dean, the Rev John Dobson. The Bishop said: "I'm greatly honoured to receive this sword and to be welcomed in such splendid style. I look forward to working and ministering here."

The Bishop was joined by local councillors, civic dignitaries, and schoolchildren for the ancient ceremony.

The Conyers Falchion dates back to the 12th or 13th Century and has been perfectly preserved. Sir John Conyers is said to have used the sword to free the people of the quiet corner of County Durham, who suffered seven years of misery at the hands of the giant serpent which laid waste to the area.