A GOVERNMENT minister said he was impressed by the beauty of Bradford Cathedral when he started a national tour with a visit to the city.

Communities Minister Lord Nick Bourne began a year-long tour of all 42 of England’s cathedrals with a visit to the city today.

Lord Bourne met representatives from community groups associated with Bradford City at Valley Parade during his visit.

He also visited Bradford charity QED, based on Vicar Lane, which delivers services in health, education and employment, while advocating the wider issues affecting Muslims in society.

Lord Bourne said: “My role as faith and communities minister means I want to get out and see the work of inter-faith groups across the country and Bradford is a good example of that.

“It has been good to see what groups of different religions are doing to deal with some of the challenges of the day.

“The Cathedral has quite a striking position in the city.

“The first thing that strikes me about Bradford Cathedral is what a beautiful building it is. It has a comfortable feel about it. It is a beautiful sight."

The Dean of Bradford, The Very Reverend Jerry Lepine, took Lord Bourne on a tour through Bradford city centre, passing City Hall, City Park and The Broadway.

The Very Rev Lepine said: “I was thrilled that the minister chose Bradford as his first stop of his tour.

“Walking through the city, he got to see some of the wonderful buildings we have here. The city’s heritage and its grandeur.

“I love walking people from London around Bradford. For the most part, people from London have not visited Bradford before and are amazed at what they see.

“The minister was fascinated by City Park, City Hall and the Wool Exchange.”

Lord Bourne's guided tour of Bradford Cathedral included some of the completed renovation work after it received £127,000 to repair its heating and remove asbestos in July this year.

Its grant was part of £14.5 million given to cathedrals across the country to mark the centenary of the First World War.

The First World War Centenary Cathedral Fund was announced in 2014 and is designed to help preserve cathedrals for future generations.

Bradford Cathedral received £190,000 from the fund in July 2014 for urgent repairs to the roofs and timberwork.

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