FIFTY years of friendship between Ely and its twin cathedral city of Ribe in Denmark was celebrated at the weekend. Attended by 50 Danish visitors, the event marked the anniversary of the first visit to Ribe by a party from Ely in 1956. The highlight of t

FIFTY years of friendship between Ely and its twin cathedral city of Ribe in Denmark was celebrated at the weekend.

Attended by 50 Danish visitors, the event marked the anniversary of the first visit to Ribe by a party from Ely in 1956.

The highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a colourful tapestry hung in the foyer of The Maltings at Ely's riverside.

The tapestry, the work of designer Ullrich Rossing and weaver Mona Lise Martinussen was unveiled by the mayor of Ely, Cllr John Ison and Cllr Vag Sorensen representing Ribe.

It depicts the many similarities between the two cathedral cities and it is hoped it will be a permanent reminder of the enduring friendship between the two as well as a tourist attraction for the city.

Also present at the ceremony dressed in his full uniform complete with ceremonial Morning Star pikestaff was Ribe's night-watchman, Aag Grann. Every evening at 10pm he leads a procession through the medieval streets of the Danish city assuring the residents that all is well by singing a goodnight song.

On Friday night he sang his song walking through the streets of Ely with the Danish visitors and their hosts.

On Saturday, after a day of sightseeing in the city, guests and hosts gathered for a special Evensong in the cathedral followed by an anniversary dinner in the church room at St Mary's Church.

An invitation for a return visit to Ribe in May 2008 was accepted by Ely members of the Ely - Ribe Association.