The new Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Revd Justin Welby comes to Norwich where he was escorted by the Bishop of Norwich, Rt Revd Graham James, at the Forum, through the streets of the city and during his visit to Norwich Cathedral. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

The new Archbishop of Canterbury was greeted by hundreds of well-wishers outside the Forum in Norwich today.

The Most Revd Justin Welby was visiting the city on the first of a five-day pilgrimage around the country in the lead up to his enthronement at Canterbury Cathedral.

He told the crowd of his childhood holidays in Norfolk and led a prayer for the region to pray against deprivation and unemployment.

After interviews with the press, the Archbishop made his way around the crowd handing out cards.

Helena Crockford, 46, from Reepham said: “This is the first place he’s been to and we should be here to encourage that.

“It’s a lovely and engaging thing to do and I admire his choice.”

Gordon Baldry, 43, from Taverham, who asked the Archbishop to sign his bible, said: “I thought it would be a fitting thing to do. It was really nice. I wasn’t sure if he would sign it.”

Around 80 children from church schools in Harleston and Dickleburgh were at the Forum to greet the Archbishop and they formed part of the crowd which he then led through Norwich to the cathedral where he will spend the afternoon.

The Archbishop’s pilgrimage will conclude with Choral Evensong at 5.30pm before he sets off to Coventry. His pilgrimage will also take him to London, Truro and Chichester.

This website will have full coverage of the visit today as well as special reports in Friday’s paper.