SOME of the secrets of the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe are about to be revealed.

As part of National Science Week, York Minster's Centre for School Visits is organising sessions to try and explain just how the spectacular Minster was built.

Their experts will be explaining the problems encountered by the medieval builders and how they were overcome.

And they will also be touching on other issues - such as why the building should really be red and how the 16,000-tonne central tower was saved from collapse in the 1960s.

Each two-hour session will begin with an introductory talk using models and multi-media, followed by a tour of the Minster and its foundations.

The free two-hour sessions will be held at 10am and 1pm tomorrow and on March 15. They are open to all, but tickets must obtained from the Centre for School Visits on (01904) 557224.