A new dragon is to be added to the walls of Lincoln cathedral.

The fire-breathing stone dragon will stand about one metre high and will look out over the city from his perch on the south side of the cathedral.

Carved by cathedral stonemason Michael Thacker, the dragon will be on display at the cathedral until spring next year, when he will be moved to the cathedral wall.

Minster fund-raising manager Richard Clarke said the detail of the new carving was remarkable.

"I have seen it and it is fantastic," he said.

"You can see the muscles in the legs, the claws grasp into the stone and there is a fiery beard coming off it. It is a remarkable carving and it keeps in with the tradition of the cathedral."

The carving was inspired by several old dragon carvings found within the cathedral, and has taken two months to carve.

John Campbell, Dean's Verger at the cathedral, said the work was another step in helping to keep important masonry techniques alive.

He said: "It is good to continue the ancient traditions in modern form and use that to show that the talent is still with us."

For more details on the dragon, see Friday's Echo.