Stone celebrating York's historic links with New York to be unveiled

Masons at York Minster made the ledger stone which was then shipped to New York City for the unveiling

A ledger stone marking 100 years of close links between York and its US namesake New York is to be unveiled at a church in the famous American city.

Made by masons at York Minister, the stone has been shipped across the Atlantic to its new home at the Church of St Thomas on Fifth Avenue.

The unveiling is part of celebrations in New York to mark 100 years of civic partnership between the two cities.

The Archbishop of York will be among those taking part in the celebrations.

The bond between the two cities stretches back to 1924 when New York City gifted a bronze plaque to York.

That plaque is currently housed in York Guildhall and could be seen alongside the new stone before it's transatlantic voyage.

The stone's permanen home will be the Church of St Thomas on Fifth Avenue in New York

Marking the special occasion in New York on Sunday will be the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, the Revd Canon Carl Turner, Rector of Saint Thomas, and the British Consul General to New York, Hannah Young, who will read a special message from King Charles.

The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell said: "I'm delighted to be part of this moment when York and New York renew their connection.

"In a world where there is much division, reaching out across different cultures fosters goodwill and understanding, breaks down barriers and recognises we are all part of one humanity."

The Revd Canon Carl Turner said: "Saint Thomas Church is delighted to celebrate the historic relationship between old York and New York, as it were, and to uplift our Anglican heritage from which we draw so much tradition and strength.

"We feel privileged to house this historic ledger stone in our nave and look forward to welcoming delegations from York and the British Embassy."

A bronze plaque presented to York on behalf of New York City in 1924 can be found in York Guildhall