HEREFORD Cathedral's 'wonky' pinnacle is to be replaced thanks to a generous helping hand from Hereford Masonic Charities, as well as expert carving skills.

The decorated pinnacle was left at a "dramatic" angle after being buffeted by high winds earlier this year and cathedral officials were concerned that it could come crashing to the ground.

Gales last January caused the pinnacle, on the north-west corner of the cathedral's central tower, to be displaced. It was feared that it could severely damaged a number of roofs and even the ceiling of the nave.

The Dean, the Very Rev Michael Tavinor, said: "Although it looked dramatic at the time, we were confident that we would be able to secure the old pinnacle as it had a metal pin running through it. "Such emergency repairs needed to be done quickly to prevent further damage to the building."

Thanks to support from the Mason's Grand Charity, not only could 'flying' stonemasons retrieve the damaged pinnacle but a replacement has been carved by Alec Curtis, an apprentice with Simon Hudson Stonemasons, based in the cathedral close.

"We are extremely grateful to the provincial grand master, the Rev David Bowen, who stepped forward to say that the Freemasons would support the work," said the Dean. "This meant we could remove the damaged pinnacle as soon as the weather improved. Such emergency works are always tremendously costly and it is so difficult to budget for it."

Under the watchful guidance of cathedral architects, Robert Kilgour Associates, a replacement pinnacle has been carved and will shortly be put back in place by Richard Martin of Heritage Stone Access, an enterprise combining skills of rope access and stonemasonry.

Anyone willing to support emergency works to the cathedral and its ongoing repair programme should contact Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust.