A CATHEDRAL congregation is being consulted on plans to replace hard wooden pews with comfortable chairs.
The move is being considered by church leaders at Ripon Cathedral.
The cathedral's advisory committee has agreed to remove the pews - provided the congregation approves.
Leaders say chairs are already used in several cathedrals, including York Minster, Winchester and Salisbury.
Ripon Cathedral administrator Lieutenant Colonel Ian Horsford, said: "Our pews are very uncomfortable because of the shape of them. Hardened concert-goers bring their own cushions because they know what they are like.
"Now there is a possibility for funding for the chairs, we have to go back to the congregation to ask for their views on the idea."
In the 1940s, Ripon congregations were seated on chairs, although pews were still used by the choir.
A decision will be made in the New Year following the consultation.
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