Gloucester Cathedral's bells chimed out the Star Spangled Banner yesterday in honour of a visit from the Ambassador from the United States of America.

Dean of Gloucester, the Very Reverend Stephen Lake, welcomed Ambassador Robert Wood Johnson to mark the historic links between the USA and the Cathedral.

Gloucester-born John Stafford Smith, who composed the music for the US national anthem was the son of Martin Smith a Cathedral Organist.

he was also a Cathedral Chorister and his contribution to the United States is marked by a Union Flag and Stars and Stripes hanging above a memorial plaque in the North Transept of the Cathedral.

As well as being given a tour, Ambassador Johnson was treated to a performance of the Anthem on the Cathedral's organ, by fellow American Mary Pan, a Chicago-native who joined as an organ scholar in September.

The Cathedral bells also rang the famous tune across the city to mark the visit.

The Ambassador also met a direct descendant of Button Gwinnett whose name appears as the second signatory on the US Declaration of Independence and who lived in the Cathedral Close and attended the King's School before becoming a political leader in America.

The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said "We welcome the Ambassador as the UK representative of the United States and its people.

"Our links tell of a rich heritage and enduring relationship to cherish freedom and peace."

Ambassador Johnson was visiting Gloucester at the invitation of outgoing City Council Leader Paul James.

His visit also included other venues in Gloucester which also have significant links to the USA, including St Mary de Crypt and the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum.