HUNDREDS packed Ely Cathedral on Sunday for a 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 Ca

HUNDREDS packed Ely Cathedral on Sunday for a 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."

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 was 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.