Recruits are needed to lend a welcoming hand at one of the North-East's best-known buildings.

Durham Cathedral is seeking fresh blood to add to its team of about 400 volunteers.

Apart from greeting more than half a million visitors per year, the volunteer stewards help to point them in the right direction, answer their queries and help with the smooth running of the hundreds of services, concerts and other events in the cathedral.

Chapter steward Anne Heywood said: "I believe we need to dispel some misconceptions about volunteering here.

"The most important one is that we are a dreary lot. Regular visitors will know that the stewards are always prepared with the ready quip.

"The cathedral is a happy place and laughter is often heard.

"The minimum commitment is about three-and-a-half hours per month, although we would prefer more. At present, we are in particular need of volunteers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and at the weekend.

"There is a minimum age limit of 16 for most volunteers, but there is no upper age restriction as we believe chronological age should not be a deciding factor."

Ms Heywood said people who do not consider themselves 'churchy' or 'holy' should not worry that they will not fit the bill, adding: "The main qualification is to love the building."

The Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, said that the stewards play an invaluable role in the work of any cathedral.

He said: "We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and I pay tribute to their hard work, professionalism, good humour and, above all, their care for this cathedral and all who come through its doors."

Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to an open evening at the cathedral on Thursday, January 19, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, or can contact 0191-386 4266.