JAPANESE students have been helping build a Lego model of Durham Cathedral in a bid to improve their English.

Five undergraduates from Teikyo University of Japan, which has a base in Durham, have been volunteering on the growing model project over the last four months.

Yu Hannahira, who volunteered for five weeks, said: “I have really enjoyed being part of the Lego project at Durham Cathedral.

“I have met many different people and my English skills have improved greatly. I can’t wait to see the Lego model when it is finished.”

The Lego model is a fundraising drive for the cathedral’s £10m Open Treasure project.

It is hoped more Japanese students will help out from September onwards.