Norwich enters historical league

The city was judged on its heritage and work to protect its treasures

Norwich has become the first city in England to be admitted to the World League of Historical Cities, which includes Paris, Rome and Vienna.

The league aims to conserve and regenerate some of the planet's most memorable places.

The medieval city of Norwich is renowned for its cathedral, ancient buildings and cobbled streets.

Norwich was assessed on its heritage and work to protect, regenerate and promote its ancient treasures.

Norwich's Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (Heart), which has leading author Bill Bryson as its patron, pushed through the bid with the help of former Lord Mayor of Norwich Felicity Hartley.

CITY'S HISTORIC FACTS Vikings ransacked Norwich in 1004 Norwich was one of the largest towns in England in 1066 Norwich was occupied by 10,000 Anglo Saxons, Scandinavians and Normans in 1066 Tombland was the Anglo-Scandinavian market-place in the 11th Century

Heart's chief executive Michael Loveday described the achievement as "really excellent news".

Mr Loveday said: "It will be extremely positive for Norwich, not only to benefit from collaborating with some of the most well regarded heritage specialists in the world but, perhaps more significantly, to associate the city with some of the greatest heritage cities on the planet.

"Norwich was the largest walled medieval city in England. It was twice the size of the City of London.

"It has the largest collection of medieval churches of any city in northern Europe and the biggest provincial regalia collection."

Heart's ultimate aim is to achieve World Heritage Site status for Norwich.