Around 53,000 people paid to visit York Minster last month

Since the compulsory �4.50 entrance fee was introduced on 2 August revenue has increased by around 30%.

Approximately 53,000 people paid to visit the historic Minster last month and officials are hoping the increased revenue will help to reduce an annual deficit of �600,000.

Although the number of visitors is down overall on the same period last year church officials believe tourists are spending longer inside the Minster and are taking more guided tours.

'Reluctant' backing

The number of visitors excludes those attending services and local residents who are entitled to free admission.

A previous voluntary donation scheme failed to raise enough money for the cathedral's future spending plans.

Former Dean, the Very Reverend Raymond Furnell, proposed the idea of compulsory charges before retiring earlier this year.

In July the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, said he had reluctantly decided to back the charges.

He said: "I have reluctantly concluded, and with some disappointment that given the present situation and circumstances the chapter has little option other than to proceed with their decision."