Nelson Mandela Visit To Bedford April 2000

5 December 2013, 23:53 | Updated: 6 December 2013, 00:06

Back in April 2000 while Nelson Mandela was being courted by Presidents and Prime Ministers, he made an emotional visit to Bedford.

Anti-aparthied campaigner Bishop Trevor Huddleston was born in Bedford - there's a statue to him there to this day.

He was held in high regard by Nelson Mandela who accepted an invitation from the Borough Council to come to see the statue.

He flew in by helicopter to Police HQ in Kempston and was then driven into the town.

Thousands turned up to see him - maybe not believing that one of the world's most famous men was visiting Bedfordshire!

He was accompanied on his visit by the then Mayor of Bedford, Carole Ellis.

Have a look at our photo gallery of the day. The day Nelson Mandela came to Bedford!