CAMPAIGNERS seeking the permanent return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North-East made a special pilgrimage to Durham Cathedral.

Members of the Northumbrian Association chose St Cuthbert's Day last Thursday, to make a symbolic six-and-three-quarter mile walk to Durham Cathedral, following the footsteps of Medieval monks carrying the remains of the early Christian saint to their final resting place.

The trek, from St Mary's and St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Chester-le-Street to Durham, via a Finchale Priory lunch stop, was staged as part of the campaign to see the permanent return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North-East.

Seventh century monks on Lindisfarne dedicated the gospels to Cuthbert, a former Holy Isle prior, who played a leading role uniting the early English church.

The British Library is to donate accurate facsimile copies of the manuscripts to both the cathedral and Lindisfarne Priory in May, but the originals are to remain in its collection in London.

Around 45 members of the association were given a tour of the parish church in Chester-le-Street, which housed Cuthbert's remains for 112 years from 883AD, before roughly following the course of the River Wear to Durham.

The walk ended at St Cuthbert's tomb in the cathedral, where the coffin has remained since arrival in Durham in 995AD, officially being 'installed' in the tomb in 1104AD.

Traditionally the coffin was opened on St Cuthbert's Feast Day, March 20, the day he died on Lindisfarne in 687AD.

Walk organiser John Danby said that while the association will welcome the facsimile copies of the gospels, members are determined to bring the originals to the region.

He added: "The gospels are an icon of the North-East. They belong here, back with St Cuthbert's body, which rests in Durham Cathedral."

Association members hope the gospels can be brought back for next March 20, the 900th anniversary of the remains being permanently placed in the tomb