A giant puppet of a Syrian refugee has been welcomed at St Paul’s Cathedral as the dean said he hoped London could be a refuge for all those who need it.

The crowd cheered as Little Amal neared St Paul’s, and a group of children chanted “Amal! Amal! Amal!”

The 3.5-metre tall puppet then climbed the cathedral’s steps before handing a gift – a wood carving of a ship at sea from St Paul’s birthplace at Tarsus in Turkey – to the dean, David Ison.

Dr Ison addressed the puppet, saying: “The dome of St Paul’s is known around the world. Our doors are big enough to receive you.

“Our hope here for London is that it is big enough to receive all those who seek refuge in this city.”

He added that London is big enough for everyone.

“London is the most diverse city in the history of the world, ever,” he added. “There is room for everyone.”

A brass band, called Das Brass, played My Girl by The Temptations.

© PA Wire Little Amal puppet walk

One attendee held a sign saying “Welcome Home Little Amal!”