St Brigid's Cross lessons at Belfast event

The ancient Celtic art of making St Brigid's crosses has been taking place at an event in west Belfast. St Brigid's Day on 1 February traditionally marks the beginning of spring, although the weather conditions on the day were distinctly wintry.

The crosses in the saint's honour are woven out of reeds and placed inside the house. The reeds used to make the crosses at Saturday's event, organised by the Belfast Hills Partnership, were picked from the local area.

Deborah McLaughlin, Lizzy Pinkerton of the Belfast Hills Partnership and Geraldine Carragher show off their efforts. Ms Pinkerton said "It is a tricky thing to do, but very worthwhile when you get the hang of it."

Lizzy Pinkerton of the Belfast Hills Partnership said people traditionally put the crosses over doors to protect their homes from fire, evil and hunger.

While St Brigid is celebrated for her role in promoting Christianity in Ireland, the origins of the crosses of reeds are thought to date back to Pagan times.