Abseiling conservationists could be seen hard at work on the side of York Minster last week.
They were carrying out essential maintenance work to inspect and remove weathered stone from the cathedral's 180 foot tower.
The work is being carried out on the east and south faces with the help of funding by the Cathedral Fabric Repair Fund, and York Minster is hoping to obtain funding next year to complete the north and west sides.
Rebecca Thompson, Superintendent of Works at York Minster, said: "The team is focusing on the east and south faces as priority areas as these are the sides which experience the worst extremes of the weather.
" The changes in temperature and process of freezing and then thawing causes the stone to contract and expand, meaning inspections need to be carried out and worn pieces removed."
