Visitors see stained window up close

Scaffolding and sheeting covers the Dean's Eye

Visitors to Lincoln Cathedral are being given a last chance to inspect a stained window before it is swung back into place high on a wall.

Experts have been working to restore the stained glass window called the Dean's Eye for the past 15 years.

This week the final pieces of the surrounding stonework, which has been completely recarved, will be slotted into place.

It is currently on the floor of the Minster until the weekend.

But after that the stonework, which will replace the original 13th Century "tracery" surrounding the stained glass, will be removed from public view for the final stage of the £4m restoration.

Stonemasons have intricately carved the new tracery which needs to slot precisely into the Cathedral wall in place of the old window.

Helen Brown, from Lincoln Cathedral, said: "The window's home is about 80 feet in the air after this week when we can actually look at the window on the floor and inspect all the carvings and see all the nooks.

"It won't be seen again unless you have got a pair of binoculars handy."