Norfolk is set to join a major international pilgrimage network.

The county will become the first UK member of the St Olav Ways, a pilgrimage route celebrating Norway's first Christian King and Patron Saint.

The route is one of 49 accredited Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, crossing 46 countries and attracting millions of tourists annually.

Norfolk's inclusion is part of an initiative by Norwich Cathedral and Norfolk County Council.

A special event was held at the cathedral on September 10 which explored the historic connections between Norway, Norfolk, and other parts of the UK.

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The event was attended by experts from Norway and a representative of the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Hans Morten Lovrod, director of the National Pilgrimage Centre in Trondheim and manager of St Olav Ways, said: “It is important that we highlight the connections between Olav Haraldsson and Britain and that we acknowledge his influence through his conversion to Christianity.

"We are very pleased to discover a variety of churches and heritage sites connected with St Olav and delighted to have the UK as member of our Cultural Route.”

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The Revd Dr Peter Doll, canon librarian of Norwich Cathedral, said: "The story of the Scandinavian encounter with Britain represented by St Olav, both before and after his death, is one of enmity turned to friendship by means of a shared faith.

"Those shared values continue to bind the United Kingdom and Norway and will be strengthened by our pilgrimage links."

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: “Norfolk County Council recognises the importance of our heritage in terms of developing our local economy, and this important partnership further enhances our strong cultural tourism offer, supporting our rural communities and sharing our museums and countryside with visitors to our beautiful county.”