PLEASED to meet you! The new Surveyor of the Fabric of York Minster, Andrew Arrol, got to know some of his new "customers", when he ascended the cathedral tower and inspected some of the stonework - including the famous gargoyles.

Mr Arrol, of Arrol & Snell Architects in Shrewsbury, is taking over today from Richard Carr-Archer, who is retiring as the Minster's Surveyor after eight years.

The role of Surveyor of the Fabric is held by a qualified architect who reports on the state of the fabric of the Minster, and supervises work on the building.

Mr Arrol is also architect for Chester Cathedral. He particularly specialises in medieval masonry structures and glass conservation.

Mr Carr-Archer, of York-based architects Ferrey & Mennim, started his work at York Minster in July 1998. He oversaw the restoration of the West Front in 2000, worked on the buttresses of the Chapter House and vestibule, together with the roof, before starting to do preparatory work on the East Front. He also oversaw the construction of the disabled access ramp at the West End, and the new floor in the Undercroft.

Mr Arrol will oversee the restoration of the East Front, which will be the major project at the Minster for the next decade.

Updated: 09:42 Friday, March 31, 2006