Minster matchstick model sold for charity

A model of York Minster made out of 80,000 matchsticks has been sold to a toy shop, with the money donated to charity.

Clive Holmes, 87, from Durham, spent two years fashioning his 6ft (1.8m) long creation, inspired by his granddaughter moving to the city for university.

However, his wife said it was taking up too much room in the house.

Daughter Sue Todner said: "He was going to torch it, so it certainly had to go somewhere and we're so glad it's found a new home."

Mr Holmes has built models of churches and cathedrals for about 40 years.

His daughter launched an appeal on social media to find the artwork a new home in the city that inspired it.

"The response was amazing, so we decided to put it up for auction and we were hoping it would go to somewhere near the Minster and luckily it did," she told BBC Radio York.

It was bought by toy shop Totally Awesome on Colliergate, which plans to put it in its window.

The money paid for the model has been donated to the charity Harbour, which helps families in the north-east of England affected by domestic abuse.

Manager Danielle Chadwick said: "To selflessly give the money to a charity, I just think it's magical.

"Christmas can be a really difficult time for the families we work with, and with donations like this we can help make it as special as possible."

Mr Holmes, a former firefighter, has made many models over the years including one of Durham Cathedral, but he said he thought that might be his last.

"It takes a while," he said, adding: "And him upstairs keeps phoning me, so I'm not sure I'll ever get around to making another one."

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