A YOUNG Sudanese refugee had the honour of lighting the 25ft Christmas tree at Durham Cathedral on his birthday.
Doud, who has been living in County Durham for several months, lit the tree during the special service last night.
The youngster attended the service with his brother Ajang and mother Madline.
The tradition is usually reserved for children from the cathedral community.
Canon Michael Hampel, who led the service, said: “The lovely thing today is we are lighting the tree in a cathedral which has been known as a place of sanctuary for nearly 1,000 years.
“Today in the 21st century, it’s still a place of sanctuary and it’s wonderful our little friends from Sudan have found safety in the North-East and a friendly welcome in the cathedral.”
The family was accompanied by Sam Slatcher, from charity Durham City of Sanctuary, which provides a welcome and support to refugee families being resettled in the county.
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