Craftsmen moved in this week to begin restoration work on an area of Ely Cathedral which dates back more than 900 years.

Ely Standard: Craftsmen have started work on Ely Cathedral's north transeptCraftsmen have started work on Ely Cathedral's north transept (Image: Archant)

The cathedral’s north transept is the earliest surviving part of the building, which officials say, can be traced back to 1080 – when William the Conqueror was on the throne of England.

No restoration work or conservation has been done on the north transept since the 19th century so Diocese of Ely officials decided to invite craftsmen in to begin months of careful maintenance work.

A spokesman for the diocese said: “The masonry, copper and steel fittings all need attention and the high stained glass is damaged and buckling. We are expecting the renovations to be completed by the end of February 2015.”