One of the smallest and oldest police forces in the country is looking for a new recruit.

The Minster Police Force is increasing from 11 to 12 to allow the shift system which keeps the Minster protected 24 hours a day to run more smoothly.

The force has its origins in the 14th century but it wasn't until stowaway Jonathan Martin caused the fire of 1829 that it became a 24-hour concern. The south transept fire of 1984 upped the levels of security even further.

Chapter Clerk, Brigadier Peter Lyddon said: "Vacancies don't come up very often, people like the job and they tend to stay for at least ten years."

As well as patrolling the cathedral's two-and-a-half acres of land, the post requires familiarity with 400 keys and the physical fitness to climb the 276 stairs to the roof. The closing date for applications is May 20.

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