AN AUCTION to raise cash for the upkeep of York Minster saw crowds gather to bid for stonework, timbers and replicas of stained glass windows from the cathedral.

Despite severe downpours, many arrived for the auction which sold every item that was up for grabs with the final total raised to be announced later this week.

Visitors were able to bid on up to 100 lots of stone which have been removed from the Minster during restoration works, while at the same time supporting ongoing conservation works at the cathedral.

Items sold included parts of the 14th century oak ribs and bosses from the vaulted roof of the South Transept, which was destroyed by fire in 1984 and sections of fabric featuring digital replicas of stained-glass panels from the cathedral’s Great East Window.

More than 300 pieces of the 600-year-old glass were removed for conservation and restoration in 2008, and the digitally printed screen is a near life-sized replica of the Great East Window.

Ten pieces, each showing a complete panel from the window, were made available for auction.

Auctioneer Rod Cordingley, of Stephenson and Son, donated his time to run the auction, which took place in Dean's Park behind the cathedral on Friday.