SCIENTISTS have created the world's first solar powered stained glass window for England's oldest cathedral.

Designs for the window in Ripon, North Yorkshire, have already been prepared and when complete it will be used to power a bronze water feature.

The window will be created by Bridget Jones, a stained glass artist from Newcastle.

Her designs include images of animals, birds, fish, insects, plants and ferns.

The idea for the solar power window at the cathedral founded in 672 has already generated a lot of interest and will be situated in the Chapel of God the Creator.

The window will power another new addition to the chapel, a water feature in bronze which is being likened to a holy water flagon.

Sunlight power is expected to be on stream by next year.