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

Members of the Northumbrian Association chose St Cuthbert's Day to make a symbolic six-mile walk following the footsteps of medieval monks who carried 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, via Finchale Priory, was staged as part of the campaign to see the permanent return of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

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 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.

Walk organiser John Danby, of the association, said: "We celebrate the day of the Irish saint, St Patrick, but little is done to celebrate the importance of our own saint.

"As an association we are determined to put that right."

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 that the gospels can be brought back for next March 20, the 900th anniversary of the remains being permanently placed in the tomb at Durham Cathedral.