liberty mccrohan and morgan harris

As Justin Welby visited Norwich in his first pilgrimage prior to officially taking up the role of Archbishop of Canterbury, we asked people lining the streets how important his visit was for Norfolk.

helena crockford and david cleall

Shelly Johnson, 37 of Norwich, said: “It’s great for Norwich and the country as a whole that he’s out seeing his parish.”

Lucy Hume, 22 of Holt, said: “It’s exciting that he’s starting his pilgrimage in Norwich, especially as a recent survey said that we were the most godless city in the country. It’s very important that he does visits like this, it can encourage people to come to church, especially those who may be nervous about coming.”

molly hansell and doreen cochrane

Barbara Rowe, 73 of Leavenheath, said: “I really love pilgrimages and sacred walking. It seemed appropriate to come and so I travelled up from Suffolk. The new Archbishop looks promising, but only time will tell.”

Helena Crockford, 46 of Reepham, said: As this is the first place he’s been to, we should be here to encourage him. Visiting cities is a lovely and engaging thing to do, and I admire his choice of city for his first visit.

rosemary hawkins-clegg

Wayne Doman, 38 of Norwich, said: “We’re here to represent Special Me, a special needs group. It’s important to realise that we have mission fields in our own country not only abroad and so it’s great that the Archbishop has come.”

Liz and Albie King, retired of Cringleford, said: “He used to holiday in Norfolk, and so it’s really special for Norwich. It’s an important city with a fantastic cathedral.”

Doreen Cochrane, 65, of Norwich, said: “It’s so wonderful to see so many people here to support him. There is a real buzz and atmosphere. It’s lovely that he has been able to come and visit Norwich today.”

Rosemary Hawkins, 58, of Thorpe St Andrew, said: “My husband was in the clergy until he died three years ago. I am here today to represent him as well as myself. I will be following him down to the cathedral, it’s wonderful to see him here.

Simon Peatman, 24, of Ipswich, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a huge crowd, it shows how popular he has become and gives a very good impression of Norwich. He comes across as a normal person, exactly the sort of character we want as an Archbishop.”

Ben Lawrence, 21, of Sprowston, said: “I think he’s going to do some really good things and was a great choice. He’s a bit younger and so hopefully a bit more interested in young people.”

Pat Webb, 65, of Harlston, said: “I brought some children down from a school, and I think it’s essential for them to see who is going to be the new leader. The children we brought come from the only Church of England high school in Norfolk. We bought the first peace ambassadors that have been created in England, there are six children here and they are hoping to meet the Archbishop inside. He seems to have his finger on the pulse and the children were very excited which has to be a good thing.”

Morgan Harris, 10 and Liberty McCrohan, nine, of Bowthorpe, said: “We were very excited to see the Archbishop, he’s very kind and funny. It’s one of those moments you look forward to for ages.”

Angie Fox, 48, of Old Lakenham, said: “The Archbishop and his wife seem very happy and relaxed. I don’t think we particularly need change but hopefully he will be a strong leader for the Church of England.”