A CLERGYMAN has unwittingly helped a cathedral appeal reach an important milestone.

The Reverend Ted Drayton, a priest from Filey in North Yorkshire, bought the 100,000th brick in the Lego model of Durham Cathedral.

It means the cathedral has now raised £100,000 towards its ongoing Open Treasure appeal.

To mark the occasion, the Dean of Durham, The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove surprised The Rev Drayton as he laid the landmark brick on the model and presented him with a medal made from Lego bricks and a signed copy of his book Durham Cathedral: A Pilgrimage in Photographs.

The Rev Drayton said: “It was an honour to add the 100,000th brick to this incredible model and an absolute privilege to meet the Dean.

“My wife and I love visiting Durham Cathedral and it is great to be able to contribute towards the Cathedral’s fundraising efforts in such a unique way.’

Dean Sadgrove added: ‘The laying of the 100,000th brick marks a major milestone for the Durham Cathedral Lego Build.

“I am delighted to have been present at this momentous occasion and very much look forward to the laying of the next 100,000 bricks.’

The 100,000th brick means the Lego Cathedral is now one-third complete.

For every £1 donated, one LEGO brick is added to the model. All donations will go towards Open Treasure, a project which will transform public access to some of the Cathedral’s most spectacular spaces and to the breathtaking collections that it has acquired over the centuries.

To support the project, visit the Cathedral and place your bricks in person or donate via www.justgiving.com/durhamcathedral