RARE textiles and embroidery dating back to the 15th century have been saved from decay by York Minster staff.

An embroidery of the Virgin And Child, which dates back to between 1490 and 1520, is one of a number of pieces that have undergone careful restoration after a routine inspection of the cathedral’s textile store revealed mould which could have seriously damaged the historic artefacts.

The piece, which was bought by the Minster in 1955, depicts the Virgin Mary as Queen Of Heaven, surrounded by female saints, including St Mary Magdalene.

Work to restore all the affected pieces was carried out by Clare Cumming, the vestment keeper, under the supervision of Caroline Rendell, the textile conservator.

Vicky Harrison, York Minster’s collections manager, said: “While doing a routine check, we discovered blooms of mould had appeared on a number of the textiles and action was quickly taken to restore them.”