WORKMEN have abseiled down York Minster to attach protective netting to discourage pigeons from roosting on the medieval cathedral.

Netting has been attached to the North West tower due to the large number of pigeons roosting in the area and causing damage and mess.

Nets are being installed on three elevations of the tower by workers who abseiled into position.

Rebecca Thompson, superintendent of works at the Minster, said: “Installing pigeon netting via abseiling is an environmentally friendly and innovative way of gaining access to some tricky areas of the Minster.

“Not only does the netting help us to preserve the Minster, it also provides a clear access to worshippers and visitors,” he said.