IT has taken four years of work, but a dedicated team of nimble-fingered handiworkers have completed almost six million stitches in a marathon project.

The expertise of Ripon's "Stitchers' Army" has produced a series of Millennium cushions for worshippers in the city's ancient cathedral.

The cushions will be placed on stone benches either side of the nave.

Next Saturday, a service is being held when the Dean, the Very Reverend John Metheun, will dedicate them.

Ripon's rich history is depicted in the 38 cushions.

A visit by the Queen to distribute Maundy money in 1985 is commemorated, along with other city churches and Ripon's military links.

The project has been masterminded by former city Mayor Connie Birkinshaw, of Ripon City Stitchers, who said the dedication service would be a proud moment.

She said: "I was able to gather a very strong team around me and this has been a tremendous effort of teamwork.