THE mammoth task of unwrapping the sheeting which has obscured one of the region’s best-loved landmarks begins next month.

The top of Durham Cathedral’s central tower has been covered in protective scaffold sheeting to allow for restoration work which has been underway since November 2015.

Masonry work as part of the £1.9m project is set to be completed this month with the scaffolding sheets due to be taken down from December 4.

Scott Richardson, clerk of works at Durham Cathedral, said: “Our team of stone masons have relished working on the tower project knowing that the central part of Durham Cathedral and Durham City’s skyline is being conserved for future generations to enjoy.”

He added: “The work has been challenging, dealing with the logistics of working at such a height, at times halting high level work because of bad weather and winter snow.”

Following the removal of sheeting, the tower project will enter the final stages of refurbishment, with repairs to the lead roof and the installation of a new visitor platform scheduled for the New Year.

This last effort will be in preparation for the “grand reopening” of the central tower and the reestablishment of public access which is expected to be later in 2019.