Apprentice stonemason Matt Cook has produced a sign to acknowledge the sponsorship which the UK's leading housebuilder provides at the minster. The sign was completed by Mr Cook as part of his final year apprenticeship at the stoneyard. He did the setting out, letter-cutting and painting for the sign and installed it.

Each year the company sponsors mason apprentices at the Minster who are learning the highly skilled and specialist craft in the surroundings of one of northern Europe's greatest Gothic cathedrals.

The Persimmon Workshop sign indicates where the apprentices do their work and has been installed to say thank you to the firm for its support.

Minster stonemasons and their colleagues in the glaziers' workshop have a never-ending programme of work on the building. They are currently working on the restoration of the Great East Window which was removed from its frame in 2008.

Picture: Mike Cowling