A VOLUNTEER has used his experience of vision impairment to inspire a new guide to open up a landmark cathedral to all.

Tom Oates, who has just 20 per cent vision, began volunteering at Ripon Cathedral last July as a guide, greeting visitors and sharing some of the history of the ancient place of worship.

However he soon realised that something was missing for visitors like him.

Now, a year on, Mr Oates has developed his own guide to Ripon Cathedral specifically for people with visual impairments, opening up the building to a whole new audience.

He said: “We want there to be a good guide book for people who come to the cathedral whose vision is impaired - to help enhance the visitor experience.

“I think people with visual impairments have been missing out.

“We are including a sensory guide as well looking at the stonework and carvings.”

Cathedral Guide Andrew Burns praised Mr Oates’ initiative.

He said: “Tom is very focussed. I think he’s helped us focus on areas within the cathedral where people that have a disability may need extra help. It’s given us a different perspective.”

Mr Oates’ work is part of a larger effort to redevelop Ripon Cathedral’s visitor experience, including new trails for families, children and pilgrims.

The first of these, ‘Treasures Untold’ was launched on June 1 to give visitors and pilgrims the opportunity to discover not only the heritage of the cathedral in stone, metal and wood, but also the spiritual driving force which has caused it to exist for more than 13 centuries.