Fish bunting fit for a Queen

You may be more familiar with the little Union Jack triangles stringed up for royal celebrations, but St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle decided to do something a bit different with their bunting for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year.

Instead of the traditional triangle, children cut their bunting in the shape of fish, an ancient symbol of Christianity, during a cathedral workshop on Friday.

Local kids cut their fabric into fish shapes before decorating them to create individual pieces of artwork.

The bunting workshop was held as part of the cathedral's events to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Children were challenged to create bunting long enough to stretch round the entire cathedral.

In total, they created about 200 metres of bunting, enough to surround the cathedral nave and aisles.

Cathedral Events Manager Pam Walker praised the colour and creativity on display.

"Each piece of bunting was a work of art in it's own right and that is what is different and unique about our bunting," she said.

“There has been a lot of talk about making the longest piece of bunting in the world, but we thought we would be different and try to create a long piece of fish bunting."

The finished bunting will be used to decorate the cathedral during its Flower Festival being held around the extended national Jubilee weekend from 31 May to 3 June, and when the cathedral takes part in the Newcastle/Gateshead 'EAT!' food festival this summer.

Its involvement in this year’s EAT! Festival has a loaves and fishes theme.

Ms Walker added: "The fish bunting created on a Friday seems rather appropriate for that purpose.”