YORK Minster has employed an expert fundraiser who hopes to help reverse its fortunes, it was announced today.

Dr Richard Shephard, head of the Minster School, will start his new job as development officer at the cathedral on September 1. He will work with the dean and chapter to develop the Minster's resources and help to increase its funding revenue.

Dr Shephard arrives after a turbulent year at the cathedral, in which admission charges were imposed for the first time to tackle growing financial difficulties, and controversial proposals to shut the historic library were drawn up and then dropped, following a storm of protest.

Charges have already seen a 20 per cent increase in revenue, but recent figures released from the cathedral's accounts showed that it overspent by more than £600,000 in 2002-03 - the third year running it has had a deficit in excess of £500,000.

Dr Shephard has been headmaster of the Minster School for 19 years, during which time pupil numbers have risen from 50 to 200. He is also a renowned fundraiser.

As chairman of the Choir Schools Association, he led government talks to get financial support for chorister education in Britain. He is also chairman of the Heslington Foundation, which has raised funds for the new Music Research Centre at the University of York.

Dr Shephard said it had been a difficult time at the Minster in recent years, but remained positive about its future.

He said: "The actual finance of the Minster will not be my immediate concern, but nobody wants to run at a deficit so I'll be doing everything to help the situation.

"I'm greatly looking forward to meeting the challenges that this new and exciting opportunity presents.

"We have to ensure that we can hand on to future generations a vibrant cathedral that isn't subject to the vagaries of the money markets or the tourist industry."

The acting dean, Canon Glyn Webster, said: "As chairman of the school's governors, I am understandably sorry to see him leave, but I know the school's excellent staff will carry on providing the highest level of education. As acting dean, I look forward to working with Dr Shephard."

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, said today he was encouraged and delighted by Dr Shephard's appointment.

"I believe that not only does Richard know and love the Minster well, he is committed to developing a broad vision and creating realistic opportunities which can only serve this great building into the future," he said.

"As we prepare to welcome a new Dean this summer I am sure that all the endeavors of recent months, to create a positive and workable framework for a Gospel-oriented and effective Cathedral ministry are now in place."

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, April 08, 2004