Dogs to be welcomed inside Carlisle cathedral

A water bowl will be provided near the main door

'Well-behaved' dogs on short leads are to be allowed into a 12th-Century cathedral from Saturday.

Visitors with guide, therapy and assistance dogs are already allowed into Carlisle cathedral. Now it is hoped that expanding admission will make the site more welcoming.

The new rules come into force at the weekend and dog-owners are being asked to clean up after any accidents.

The Dean of Carlisle said: "Dogs are part of the family too."

The Revd Canon Benjamin Carter has shown his Dalmatian, Rosie, around

There are still some limitations, though.

Only one dog per adult is allowed.

Dogs will not be permitted at services, on tours that go above ground level, in the treasury or inside the cathedral cafe.

The Dean of Carlisle, the Very Reverend Jonathan Brewster, said: "We wish to welcome all!

"So please feel free to bring them along on your day out exploring."

This is not the first time dogs, other than assistance dogs, have been allowed into cathedrals.

Doggy trial admission has taken place over the summer at Chichester, Canterbury, Durham and others cathedrals.