A TOURIST has died after collapsing while attempting to climb to the top of the central tower of Durham Cathedral.

The 61-year-old Canadian, who is understood to have been staying with relatives in the Sedgefield area of County Durham, got into difficulties while nearing the top of the 325-step spiral staircase inside the 218ft tower.

Ambulance paramedics and firefighters climbed up to help the man, who was 30 steps from the top of the 15th Century tower.

He was brought down to the foot of the stone staircase, but, despite attempts at resuscitation, was certified dead at the scene.

Police said he was taken to the city's University Hospital of North Durham, and he appeared to have died of natural causes.

The Archdeacon of Durham, the Venerable Stephen Conway, said the cathedral was closed while the emergency was dealt with and remained shut for the rest of the day.

He said: "There are notices making it quite clear that there are 325 steps and it is quite a climb.

"We shall be praying for the deceased at cathedral services in coming days."

* A 35-year-old Northumberland woman died in hospital days after suffering a heart attack on reaching the top of the tower in August 1989.

She was airlifted by RAF helicopter from the top of the tower, as was a man who also collapsed after suffering a heart attack, in March 1999.