The doors of Durham Cathedral's central tower are finally set to reopen after three years.

Once again, visitors will be able to enjoy the breath-taking views of Durham City from the top of the tower from Saturday after it was closed for a lengthy restoration project.

As well as the incredible views, visitors will be able to see the scale and intricacy of the work carried by a dedicated team of in-house stonemasons and the cathedral's conservation architect.

Restoration work carried out to Durham Cathedral's central tower
Restoration work carried out to Durham Cathedral's central tower

A significant part of the repair work was in response to finding heavily weathered and eroded sandstone on the upper parapet and at bell chamber level during a five year inspection.

Visitors will instantly see new 'blaxter' sandstone, which has been hand-carved and installed, when they reach the 325th stair at the pinnacle of the climb.

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."

Masonry work to the tower was completed at the end of last year and work then started to remove the white wrap that has surrounded the tower during the works.

Work carried out to Durham Cathedral's central tower
Work carried out to Durham Cathedral's central tower

Work then began to remove the scaffolding from the tower which was completed in the spring, with the final stage of the project being the removal of the lift from the exterior of the tower.

When the tower reopens visitors will also be able to step onto a new viewing platform.

Rev Tremlett said the reopening marked the start of a new era fro the cathedral with special memories being made when visitors take their first steps onto the platform.

Reverend Andrew Tremlett Dean of Durham at the reopening ceremony of the Durham cathedral tower

He added: "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 Evan Memorial  Trust, Allchurches Trust Ltd, Friends of Durham Cathedral, Sir John Priestman Charity Trust, Headley Trust and Surtees Trust, as well as kind donations from a number of individual supporters.