A local firm has given a huge boost to the £30m appeal to preserve one of the country's best-loved buildings.

Persimmon Homes, one of Britain's biggest housebuilders, is giving £700,000 to the York Minster Development Campaign.

The money, which will be donated over the next ten years, will, among other things, help to train apprentices in the ancient craft skills which will be used to repair and conserve the East Front of York Minster.

The development campaign is aiming to raise £30m to fund the restoration of the East Front of the Minster.

The centrepiece is the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world but he medieval glass and stonework of the East Front are badly in need of restoration and structural repair.

The chairman of Persimmon, Duncan Davidson, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this project for a number of reasons. The business was established in York over 30 years ago and our head office remains in Fulford to this day.

"In addition, we are acutely aware of the importance of bringing new talent into the industry and supporting apprentices on the renovation of the East Front.

"This complements perfectly Persimmon's strategy of encouraging youngsters to look seriously at the building and construction sector for a long and fulfilling career."

The delighted Dean of York, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, said: "This splendid gift from our leading housebuilder gives us great encouragement. They are helping us protect the Minster by developing skills for the future, and maintaining one of the world's great buildings."

The Minster's director of development, Dr Richard Shephard, added: "This is a most generous and extremely important donation to the campaign. Persimmon Homes have made it clear that they are committed to the restoration project throughout the ten years of its life.

"By funding apprentices they help to keep alive the ancient craft skills thereby ensuring that their gift has an effect long after the East Front Project is complete."

Anyone wanting to help keep York Minster in its full glory can send a cheque, made payable to York Minster Fund to the Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, York, Y01 7JN.