THE Archbishop of York has climbed on board Noah’s Ark - just as the sun came out and weathermen predicted an end to Britain’s storms and floods.

Dr John Sentamu was visiting the spectacular setting for this summer’s York Mystery Plays , which take place in the Museum Gardens between August 2 and August 27.

He said the ark, made by joinery students at York College , was a ‘fantastic construction,’ adding: “Well done to the students and their tutors for their hard work and for responding to the brief to build it, just like Noah!

“My prayer is that as the cast prepare to tell the story of God’s majesty, that those floods of people coming along may know their own story to be part of God’s story and that they too will be encouraged in faith and in hope.”

Phil Mountain, joinery technician at the college, said it had been asked to ensure the 11 pieces making up the ark should slot together easily, and the ark should also be durable to withstand the rehearsal period and the month-long run of the Plays.

“There are many angles used in the making of the different pieces and we had to get them just right,” he said. “This has been an interesting and high profile project to work on. The abstract design works very well.

“The project has provided an excellent learning experience for our students and tutors and everyone is pleased to have been involved in such a prestigious theatrical event in York.”

Dr Sentamu posed for photos on the ark with actor Ferdinand Kingsley, who plays God and Jesus in the production, but declined to allow Satan, aka former Coronation Street actor Graeme Hawley, on board, joking: “Go where you belong!”