Calls to honour Northumberland's patron saint

His close proximity to Melrose Abbey influenced the young boy who chose to enter the monastery and become a monk.

It is reported that his decision to join the Old Melrose Abbey was the result of a vision he had witnessed which he interpreted as a call to serve God.

Previously a soldier, Cuthbert quickly earned himself high praise due to his obvious devotion to a life following God.

St Cuthbert's monastic life spanned 13 years, during that time he moved between monasteries but his most significant move was when he was sent to Lindisfarne as Prior.

Whilst there he won the respect of his fellow monks as he travelled the whole of Northumberland, which at the time stretched from the Firth of Forth to the River Tees.

His commitment to God and his reputation for having the gift of healing people won him many supporters as people flocked to see him as he travelled the Kingdom of Northumberland.

He became Bishop of Lindisfarne in 686 AD at a ceremony in York, however, his time at Lindisfarne was short as he felt his own death approach.

After only two years as Bishop, St Cuthbert retired to the Farne Islands where he died two months later. At his request his body was returned and buried in the church at Lindisfarne.

His tomb soon became an attraction for pilgrims who reported numerous miracles at his grave, so much so that Cuthbert became known as the "Wonder-worker of England".

However, St Cuthbert's journey does not end there. Due to fears of a Danish invasion the monks of Lindisfarne fled taking with them their most prized possessions, which included the relics of St Cuthbert.

Seven years of wandering later, the monks were given a church at Chester-le-Street near Durham.

St Cuthbert's relics lay here until the early 10th century when a fresh threat of Danish invasion forced his remains to be moved again, finally settling in 1104 AD in the new cathedral of Durham.

St Cuthbert is the distinctive patron saint of Northumbria and the first recorded English patron saint. Northumbrian Association are calling for the anniversary of his death to become celebrated across the region.

Association Chairman John Danby said: "St Cuthbert is our patron saint and it's very important that he is remembered in this way.

"It's important for us as well as it links us with the birthplace of Christianity in Britain and shows our unique history. It's about time St Cuthbert was recognised. We could have concerts using musicians from the region to celebrate such a great icon of our own region."

"When you think of the culture and the talent we have in the North East, we could have a fantastic St Cuthbert's Day."

He said: "We would like to talk to people who could make this happen. Let's get together and do something."

Today a group of 'pilgrims' are holding the biggest celebration yet for the patron saint of Northumbria.

More than 140 marchers are expected to descend on "Cuddy's Corse", between Chester-le-Street and Durham Cathedral.