YORK Minster attracted a record number of visitors last year, with almost 700,000 people passing through the doors of the cathedral.

As well as an increase in the numbers of people attending the cathedral for special services, events and tourism, the minster also saw a 12 per cent increase in the number of worshippers attending, according to the Chapter of York’s annual report and progress report 2017.

The document provides detailed information about York Minster’s financial performance and includes a review of the year’s events and activities.

It also revealed the Minster is back in the black, with a surplus of £509,000 in 2017, compared to a deficit of £391,000 in 2016.

The statutory accounts for 2017 show income of £9.07 million against expenditure of £8.56 million resulting in a surplus before investment gains of £509,000.

Total funds for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by £4.7m to £51 million. The Chapter of York said this was largely due to the revaluation of the property portfolio in the year, in addition to investments performing well for a second consecutive year.

Last year was also the year that the final phases of a decade-long restoration on the East End of the Minster and the Great East Window took place.

The news comes as the outgoing Dean of York, the Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull, leaves York Minster to become Bishop of Bristol.

She said: “2017 was a year of achievement, anticipation and excitement at York Minster.

“After more than ten years of planning and preparation and the most exquisite and detailed work on stained glass and stone, the scaffolding came down and we revealed the glory of the East Front and the beauty of John Thornton’s Great East Window, Britain’s largest expanse of medieval stained glass and one of the largest medieval windows ever made.

“We can now view this masterpiece in its pristine condition for the first time in more than 600 years. Seeing the reaction of visitors and talking to them about the window has been a truly rewarding experience.

“It was also a year in which we welcomed many more people to the Minster.

“People came for many different reasons: for worship and pilgrimage, for special services and events and to immerse themselves in the Minster’s magnificent architecture, history and culture. Whatever their reasons for coming, we have focused our efforts on ensuring that each person receives a warm, world class welcome and an excellent experience.”