ONE of the region’s great seats of worship has been given a financial lift from the region’s Freemasons to help with its maintenance programme.

Ripon Cathedral has received two grants totalling £12,500 to pay for the renewal of ancient flagstones which, over the years, have become broken and worn.

The Dean of Ripon, the Very Reverend John Dobson, received £7,500 from West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd, and £5,000, from the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

“It is fitting that this money is to be used to repair stonework, which will be done by a ‘master’ stonemason,” he said.

“We rely on the generosity of individuals, business and organisations to help in the running and upkeep of the cathedral, and these donations are very welcome indeed.

The Freemasons will mark the 200th anniversary of their Yorkshire province next year with a service at Ripon.