About 60 people turned out to help celebrate Colchester's patron saint's day.

A special outdoor service was held on the site of the ancient Romano-British Christian Chapel, next to Colchester police station on Southway, to commemorate the feast day of St Helena.

The historic location is believed to date from the late fourth century, and witnessed the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Revd Christopher Morgan join with leaders from all the main churches in the town to celebrate the occasion with a communion service.

Members of the public were invited and a spokeman from the bishop's office said around 60 turned up.

"He felt it went very well," she added.

The 45-minute service was followed by a sandwich breakfast and drinks at the nearby Maldon Road Chapel.

Before the service, Bishop Christopher said he felt it was good to raise the profile of St Helena, whose statue stands at the top of the Town Hall roof, holding a cross and facing Jerusalem.