HUNDREDS packed Ely Cathedral on Sunday for a magnificently colourful service to honour people in the legal profession from across the county. The High Sheriff s Justice Service, which has previously been held at Peterborough Cathedral and Great St Mary s

HUNDREDS packed Ely Cathedral on Sunday for a magnificently colourful service to honour people in the legal profession from across the county.

The High Sheriff's Justice Service, which has previously been held at Peterborough Cathedral and Great St Mary's Church in Cambridge, saw high judges, magistrates and mayors join the Bishop of Ely in full regalia at the service, which has only been held twice in Ely in 170 years.

Ely mayor John Ison attended the event and said: "It really was a magnificent occasion and among the most colourful processions the cathedral has seen."

"It was quite spectacular and very well organised."

Traditionally, prayers are said at the Justice Service for God's blessing and guidance to the visiting High Court Judges for their work in the county's courts.

Music for the occasion included Stanford's Jubilate and an Anthem Blessed is the Man, by Philip Godfrey, commissioned especially for this service.

The occasion will be hosted by the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Mr Jeremy Marshall, with the Dean and Chapter of Ely Cathedral.

Holding the oldest secular office under the Crown, the High Sheriff undertakes duties to improve the morale of people engaged in all aspects of administration and charitable work within his area of jurisdiction. There is a special emphasis on those involved in the law and the maintenance of public order and an awards scheme encourages youngsters to come up with ideas to benefit the community.