The Prince of Wales Foundation has given a substantial donation towards restoration work at York Minster.

But exact details of the gift to the £4 million appeal fund - to pay for conservation work to the cathedral's west front and towers - has not been disclosed.

The "substantial" amount leaves £500,000 still needed to cover the cost of the 10-year restoration programme, which is due to be completed next year.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said today it was "customary that details of donations remained private".

Secretary of the Minster Fund Sylvia Sharpe said the foundation was one of a large number of financial trusts approached for help with the massive cost of safeguarding the fabric of the building.

She added: "We applied to the trust two months ago, and were delighted when we found out they would give something.

"The donation is a great boast for us. To get a 10-year appeal takes some work, and when you're close to the final mark getting the remaining thousands is always difficult."

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