York Minster's historic estate is being protected from terrorism, floods and plagues of rats - thanks to a 21-year-old student.

A new disaster management plan for St William's College has been drawn up by Vicky Harrison, a heritage management student at the University of Derby.

Now, should the college be devastated by fire, infested by rats or even bombed by terrorists, staff will follow Vicky's plan of action.

Minster bosses were so impressed by the document they put it into action it straight away - and have now invited Vicky to review disaster plans for the cathedral itself.

All the buildings on the Minster estate are covered by existing disaster contingency arrangements, but Vicky's is the first dedicated plan for the 15th century college, which originally housed Minster priests.

Vicky, from Ellerker, near Hull, said: "Prominent landmarks are exposed to all sorts of dangers in today's society, and historic buildings are particularly vulnerable.

"They key issue is to ensure that if something terrible does happen everyone knows exactly what they have to do to protect the building and contents as far as they can."

York Minster collections manager, Louise Hampson, said: "There is a practical and legal requirement for historic buildings to have in place a plan detailing what everyone would need to do in the event of a major incident.

"We welcome Vicky's help in reviewing our existing plans.

"It is perhaps a reflection of today's society that we have to consider terrorism threats alongside all other threats to the Minster estate.

"Vicky covered this aspect alongside other scenarios such as flooding, fire, vandalism, theft and the potential for rat infestation.

"It is a comprehensive document and we have invited her to review the existing contingency disaster plan for the Minster itself, to see if there are any improvements that can be made."

Updated: 10:14 Friday, October 15, 2004