DURHAM Cathedral needs the public’s help as it prepares for one of its biggest redevelopment projects in decades.

Building work on the Norman wonder may have been completed for nearly a millennium, but 21st century volunteers are needed to construct a 100,000-plus Lego brick model which will be the ‘face’ of a £1m public fundraising campaign.

The Cathedral will shortly launch a £1m public appeal towards the £10m cost of its ongoing Open Treasure project, which includes a new shop and world-class exhibition space suitable for displaying many treasures and manuscripts currently hidden in storage.

For every £1 donated, a brick will be added to the Lego model, until, when completed, it is as big as a small car.

In advance of the launch, the Cathedral is looking for 76 ‘Lego makers’ to help with the building.

Today (Friday, May 3), architect and television presenter George Clarke was in Durham to encourage people to step forward.

“The Cathedral is the North-East’s biggest asset,” the Wearside-born host of The Home Show said.

“As soon as the Cathedral asked me to get involved, I said yes in a millisecond. I love the building – and I’m a massive fan of Lego.”

Mr Clarke says the Cathedral is his favourite building and the reason he became an architect. He remembers visiting aged seven and, afterwards, using any excuse to return – including making sketches and writing his dissertation on stained glass windows.

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, the Dean of Durham, said Open Treasure was, in monetary terms, one of the Cathedral’s biggest redevelopment projects of the last half century and he was delighted Mr Clarke had agreed to champion it.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has given Open Treasure a stage one pass for £3.5m, meaning it supports the project in principle. The Cathedral is now preparing a detailed, second stage application.

Numerous other grants have also already been secured.

Lego maker briefing sessions will be held at the Cathedral on Monday, May 20, from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm. Volunteers must be aged 18 or above. No experience is necessary. Training will be provided. For more information, email: events@durhamcathedral.co.uk