North England's largest Gothic cathedral, York Minster, has been awarded a grant of £10 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

|PIC1|Carole Souter, Director of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), has said: "York Minster is a world famous building - rich in history and architectural complexity - which attracts huge numbers of visitors every year who gaze up at its inspirational stained glass windows.

"We are completely convinced by the future vision for the Minster, with its emphasis on making it a welcoming place, and continuing the strong tradition of craftsmanship which has been fostered there over the centuries."

The grant will allow vital restoration work to the east of the building, including the Great East Window, to take place.

York Minster has enjoyed continued support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has also offered grants for the previous two stages of work that have already taken place.

Dame Judi Dench, Oscar-winning actress and long-term supporter of York Minster, has welcomed the announcement, saying: "I was born in York and the Minster is particularly dear to my heart. It's also the backdrop to my theatrical heritage as I had my acting debut there in the Fifties when I performed in the Mystery Plays.

"It's marvellous news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has been so generous and ensured that the vital restoration work of this most wonderful and iconic building will now take place."

|QUOTE|However, some clergy have expressed their anger that the Church of England is ready to accept lottery money, which essentially comes from gambling, The Church of England Newspaper reports.

David Phillips of the Church Society, said: "Christians in general shouldn't take money from the lottery because the lottery is entirely wrong and to take money from that source is encouraging gambling. By churches taking lottery money they are encouraging the lottery."

The Rev Gordon Warren, the rector of St Anne's, Lime house, and St Peter's, Canary Wharf said: "I'm saddened that places like cathedrals or any church building have to apply for lottery money to get restored. I'm also saddened because the lottery sends out a false hope whereas the churches don't."

He added: "The government has forced people to apply for lottery money. In Europe, for example, most things like that are supported by a central administration."