THE Archbishop of York has met himself - face-to-face at Selby Abbey.

A stone carving of Dr David Hope's head is to be mounted on the north-east corner as part of the abbey's restoration, but yesterday he viewed the carving at ground level.

The figure, wearing the distinctive mitre - the ceremonial hat of a bishop - replaces an eroded piece of decorative stonework.

It will commemorate Dr Hope's ministry as a bishop in Wakefield and London, as well as his time as Archbishop of York, which comes to an end next February.

The Archbishop said the abbey was a witness to centuries of faith and prayer. "It's humbling to become a part of that," he said. "At least after I have moved on, I shall be keeping more than an eye on the Abbey!"

The carving is the work of Alan Micklethwaite, a carver with Quibell & Son (Hull) Ltd, masonry contractors for phases three and four of Selby Abbey's restoration programme, which covers the North Quire bays and the East End.

Representatives of English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund, both of which are supporting the restoration programme, came along to see the carving.

Dr Sophie Forgan, representing the lottery fund, said the abbey repair scheme was one of many projects it had supported in Yorkshire & the Humber through its Joint Places of Worship scheme.

"So far we've been able to give over £11 million through this programme to the region, so that people can continue to benefit from the many places of worship we are so lucky to have. Selby Abbey is a brilliant example of lottery players' money going back into the community."

The Reverend Keith Jukes, Vicar of Selby Abbey, said Archbishop David had been a great supporter of Selby and the Abbey. "This is a fitting way for us to remember his care and friendship here."

Updated: 10:22 Tuesday, September 07, 2004