YORK Minster’s finances have enjoyed a ‘significant improvement’, according to the cathedral’s new report and annual accounts for 2016.

A spokeswoman said total funds for the year were £46.2 million, up from £44 million in 2015, and income rose to £8.7 million.

She said this was largely due to good returns on investments and properties, increased grants in support of mission and visitor and retail income.

The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull, said 2016 had been an ‘exceptional year of achievement’ at the Minster.