The cathedral dates back to the seventh century

A banquet for 220 people will be held at Ripon Cathedral in September.

It is believed to be the first event of its kind in a British cathedral.

Organisers hope the £50-a-head event will raise thousands of pounds for Ripon's roof appeal.

'Magnificent surroundings'

Campaign manager Margaret Hammond said: "We need to raise £350,000 for the Nave Roof Appeal and we thought this would be one way of achieving it.

"We are hoping it will attract the corporate market.

"It is not directed at them specifically - we are hoping for a mixed audience - but the response from the corporate market has been good.

"It fires the imagination. We hope the magnificent surroundings will prove popular."

Previous entertainment has included opera, theatre and exhibitions but this is the first time a black-tie dinner has been held.