Wee Mac's big walk!

At just five years of age, little Mackenzie Cooke stepped out in front of Burntollet Sons of Ulster Flute Band and just behind the officers and colour party at the head of the parade.

The little man, complete with a 'Bah-Humbug' black Santa hat matching those of the senior marchers right behind him in the parade, was sure footed despite the treacherous weather conditions.

While sterling work had been done to clear the paths and parade route of snow, nevertheless, it was still incredibly slippy underfoot, but Mackenzie never faltered.

He kept good time as the parade snaked along the mile-long route that started on Society Street, down Bishop Street and past The Diamond, along Ferryquay Street and into Carlisle Road, where the band cut up to The Fountain and made its way into the Cathedral for a service officiated over by the Dean of St Columb's Cathedral, Rev Dr William Morton.

Along the parade route little Makenzie's parents and grandparents watched proudly as their wee man brought warmth to the heart of frozen spectators with his huge smile and happy disposition.

Clutching a staff that was carefully colour-co-ordinated to match the uniforms, Wee Mackenzie was the most popular parader to step out on the route that this year marked the 322nd anniversary of the shutting of the gates in Londonderry which marked the start of the siege that was only brought to an end with the breaking of the boom on the Foyle River.

Once the parade was over Master Cooke, like the senior marchers was glad to have an opportunity to get in out of the Arctic conditions and warm his fingers and toes