Durham Cathedral dog trial made permanent
A cathedral which trialled welcoming dogs inside has made the move permanent.Durham Cathedral opened its doors to pooches on 18 November on a trial basis until 31 March.Chief visitor officer Andrew Usher said it had received a "largely positive response" and would allow more people "through the doors".He added the decision supported the church's strategy to "encourage pilgrimage from a broad spectrum".
Mr Usher said the cathedral had been surveying visitors throughout the trial and the team had also considered feedback from staff and volunteers.
'Enjoy it together'
Hazel Isgate, who moved to Durham about three years ago, previously told the BBC it was lovely to take her dog to church.She said she had been to the cathedral several times with her husband but he always had to wait outside while she visited."But then you feel guilty, so you are rushing around because somebody is stood outside," she said. "This enables you to all go in together and enjoy it together."More than half of English cathedrals now allowed dogs, Mr Usher previously said, but major cathedrals like St Paul's in London and York Minster did not. However, he said, like Durham Cathedral, they have long permitted service dogs.
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