The Archbishop of York today backed a decision to impose charges at the historic York Minster.

Dr David Hope was speaking at a news conference about the financial management of the Minster, which has come in for heavy criticism in recent months.

It has been proposed that there should be a compulsory charge for adult visitors to help reduce an annual deficit of £500,000 per year.

Speaking in the Minster's Chapter House, the Archbishop said: ''I have reluctantly concluded and with some disappointment that given the present situation and circumstances the chapter has little option other than to proceed with their decision.''