ANYONE who loves York Minster is being urged to preserve it for the future by joining an exclusive "millionaire's club".

A new campaign has been launched which is giving people the chance to pay £5 towards the restoration of the historic cathedral's east front.

One million certificates will be printed, each with its own number, to be given out to those who make the £5 donation.

Yesterday, Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, dipped into his own pocket to get the appeal started.

He said: "Many people dream of becoming a member of the Millionaire's Club.

"Well now, here is your chance. It's an opportunity for all people, from all walks of life, from all faiths and none, to join in and to give a little.

"Together we can ensure this magnificent Minster is preserved for generations to come. On our own we cannot get it together. But together, we can."

The Minster Million campaign is part of the York Minster Revealed project.

The Dean of York, the Very Rev Keith Jones, said: "The Minster Million is a way in which even people who can give only small amounts can be recognised as having helped to support York Minster.

"Surely every home should have a certificate (or two) on display.

"We want everybody to help us protect the east front of York Minster, and we're offering a whole range of different ways in which you can do it - you can sponsor a stone, you can give huge amounts of money - but this Minster Million is the thing for absolutely everybody.

"Anybody who can afford a fiver can have a certificate and feel they've done something to keep the east front of York Minster standing."

The Minster Million certificates will be available from the Chapter House at York Minster, from Tuesday.

For further information on how to join the scheme and to access a downloadable order form, log on to the York Minster website www.yorkminster.org