A church bell has rung out over Harleston in tribute to World Peace Day.

A ceremony was held at St John's Church yesterday to coincide with the United Nation's secretary general Ban Ki-moon ringing the Peace Bell in the Peace Gardens at the UN's New York headquarters.

Robin Twigge, chairman of Harleston and District Rotary Club, said it was crucial to remember the importance of peace, tolerance and international co-operation.

He said: 'In often troubled times, joining together in this simple way, reminds us of the need for tolerance and to make allowances, not only across continents, but in our own lives and communities.'

Origami cranes, another symbol of peace, were also hung around the church.

The paper birds are a focus for the philosophy associated with making 'a thousand cranes', upon which a wish may be granted.

Making the paper cranes was inspired by the story of a little Japanese girl, Sadako Sasaki, affected by radiation after the destruction of Hiroshima by an Atomic bomb.

The United Nations flags will fly for a week in Harleston Market Place.

Do you have a Harleston story? Email rebecca.murphy@archant.co.uk