THE doors of Durham Cathedral central tower finally reopen to the public this weekend following a three year conservation programme.

From 10am tomorrow, the public will get to see the scale and intricacy of the work done by the cathedral’s stonemasons and conservation architect.

Much of the repair work was done because the sandstone on the upper parapet and at bell chamber level was found to be heavily weathered and eroded, partly as a consequence of Victorian conservation techniques, during a routine inspection.

The new "blaxter" sandstone which has been hand-carved and installed, will be instantly recognisable to visitors once they reach the 325th stair at the top of the climb.

The stone was supplied by Dunhouse Quarry, near Barnard Castle, and is geologically the same as that used centuries earlier but is lighter in colour.

Speaking today, ahead of the reopening, The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham, said: "Excitement is building at Durham Cathedral as we prepare to welcome an influx of new and returning visitors, keen to take in the breath-taking views of Durham City and beyond from our central tower, which is now more distinctive and characterful than ever.

"Saturday will signify the start of a new era for the cathedral and the community of Durham, with special memories being made from the moment that visitors take their first steps onto the all-new viewing platform.

"Saturday will also provide the opportunity for visitors to reflect on the rich history of the central tower, as handy interpretation boards will be in position in the stairwell corridor, offering a welcome break while visitors catch their breath at the mid-point of their climb."

The restoration project was made possible with grants from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund, The Alan Evans Memorial Trust, Allchurches Trust Ltd, Friends of Durham Cathedral, Sir John Priestman Charity Trust, The Headley Trust, Surtees Trust and donations from individual supporters.

The work was carried out by the cathedral’s in-house team of stone masons with specialist contractors engaged when required. Working to a scheme developed by the cathedral’s conservation architect, Chris Cotton of Purcell, suppliers and contractors include Arbour Timber, CEL Leadworks, City Fabrications, Dunhouse Quarry, Mech Plant, Northern Counties Safety Group, Taylor Hastwell, Topp & Co, and the Wood Group who constructed the complex scaffold that has enveloped the tower for the previous three years.

Those climbing the tower tomorrow will follow in the footsteps of the Prested family from Belmont, County Durham, who won The Northern Echo reader competition to be the first to step foot on the new walkway.

Children must be eight-years or older to climb the central tower. Sensible footwear is essential and climbing the tower is not recommended for those with health conditions that could be affected by climbing stairs. Other important information can be found at

durhamcathedral.co.uk/visit-us/cathedral-towers

Tickets to climb the central tower are available from the visitor desk inside Durham Cathedral from Saturday, June 1 and are priced at £5 per adult and £2.50 per child.