WINTER SPLENDOUR: The West front of York Minster, free from scaffolding for the first time in a decade, pictured today
The beauty of the West front of York Minster has been revealed in its full glory with the removal of all the scaffolding for the first time in a decade.
The move follows a ten-year period of restoration which has involved the conservation and replacement of 3,000 stones by the stoneyard staff of the Minster and specialist conservators.
The £4.3 million scheme was financed primarily by the York Minster Fund with support from English Heritage.
The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Peter Vaughan, said: "I think it really does look absolutely breathtaking.
"The colour of the stone, the design and the sheer majesty of the West front is breathtaking. I think it's something for all of us to look at every time we get the chance and I'm delighted it is free of scaffolding just before the Christmas and Millennium celebrations."
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