A NEWLY created replica of a sacred banner which for centuries led English armies into battle with the Scots is about to be shown publicly for the first time.

The Northumbrian Association has spent four years and £35,000 recreating the Banner of St Cuthbert.

It will be processed up to Durham Cathedral on Tuesday, March 20, at the climax of the Northumbrian Association’s annual St Cuthbert’s Day walk from Chester-le-Street to Durham.

At 2pm, a piper and drummer will start to play in Durham Market Place. The walkers are due to arrive and receive the banner at the Town Hall at 2.30pm, continuing to the Cathedral for 3pm, where they will be greeted by the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham, and others.

Its history will be explained and the banner will then be taken into the Shrine of St Cuthbert.

A St Cuthbert’s Festal Evensong to be held at 7.30pm will include the banner’s dedication.

The original banner was used by English armies in the 11th Century. The second was flown at the Battle of Neville’s Cross, in 1346, and hung in the Cathedral until the 16th Century.

The new banner was created by Northumbrian artisans.

Also to mark St Cuthbert’s Day, March 20, there will be a range of free events in Durham Cathedral on Saturday, March 17, including guided tours, opportunities to examine a facsimile of the Lindisfarne Gospels, a Building the Church display, story telling and bird box making.

Various times apply, from 10am to 4pm.