THE iconic image of construction workers having a break on a beam above New York has been reproduced – with children of York tradesmen sitting on a girder above York Minster.

The York reproduction features in a new charity calendar, which has been launched by York builder Lee Ellis, and depicts children of tradesmen in the building industry doing their parents’ jobs.

Lee, a joiner and electrician, recently set up the Inhouse Design and Build Centre showroom in Bishopthorpe Road with business partner Mike Beaufoy.

The centre, which opened about seven months ago, brings together tradesmen from plumbers and electricians to architects and solicitors, to provide a one-stop shop of tradesmen who have all signed a code of conduct and can benefit from cross-selling opportunities.

The business decided to raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice and Martin House Hospice in memory of Mike’s wife, Ann, who died last year from exposure to asbestos, and for other tradesmen in the consortium whose families have needed the support the hospice.

The calendar was created with the help of local photographer Mandy Arrowsmith, who owns Studio Portraits.

The star photo, based on Charles C. Ebbets’ famous 1930s photo of construction workers building the Rockefeller Center in New York, shows children sitting on a beam, which has then been superimposed over a photograph of the York skyline from the Minster.

Lee said the calendar had been very popular.

It has already attracted 96 sponsors, which has funded the first print run of 2,500, most of which have been sold. He is now planning a second run.