THE new Bishop of Durham is to take part in a special ceremony next week - only the third of its kind to be staged in 250 years.
Canon Tom Wright will travel to the most southerly part of his diocese to receive the Conyers Falchion sword on Croft Bridge, just outside Darlington, next Friday.
Tradition has it that the curved sword was used by a local landowner to slay the Sockburn Worm, a giant serpent, nine centuries ago.
The spectacle will be followed by an event at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, involving local senior and junior schoolchildren.
Canon Wright said: "I am delighted to be taking part in such an important tradition and look forward to meeting the people of Darlington."
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