GLAZIERS have started the monumentally delicate task of dismantling a huge 600 year old window at York Minster as part of a five year £5m restoration.

The medieval Cuthbert window, one of the oldest and rarest windows in the world, tells the story of the life and miracles of one of Northern England’s most significant saints. Removal of the 152 stained glass panels will allow the Minster’s stonemasons to carry out urgent work to replace and repair eroded and decaying masonry which supports it.

The panels will be cleaned and restored with a selection going on display in a new exhibition in the cathedral in June.

Professor Sarah Brown, Director of York Glaziers Trust said: "The window dates from around 1440 and is a rare surviving example of a medieval narrative window, telling the story of St Cuthbert’s life on a monumental scale. The essential repairs have created a once in a lifetime opportunity to conserve the window, which was last restored following the Second World War."