CHURCH furniture specialist Treske has just completed one of the most significant commissions in its history.

The Thirsk-based company designed, manufactured and supplied bespoke nave furniture for Manchester Cathedral, which has been described as "absolutely stunning" by Anthony O’Connor, head of development and fundraising at the cathedral.

Justin Bartlett, managing director, said: "The furniture, which comprises 58 different pieces, complements the cathedral’s magnificent new £3m organ. It was designed by Mike McIntosh of Treske in consultation with architects Martyn Coppin and John Prichard.

"The furniture is designed on a concentric basis, with the central focal point of the special altar positioned on the raised dais in front of the historic screen above the new organ. The altar is really special, using an historic British and extremely rich and featured rare burr Elm top, with bronze inlay in some of the fissures in the wood."

The three celebrants’ chairs around the altar, like all the other pieces of furniture, are made from specially chosen European walnut veneer taken from one tree.

"The principal items of the altar, and the celebrants chairs all have gold leaf applied to their exposed edges and in their grooves," said Mr Bartlett.

Mr O’Connor, for the Cathedral, said: "The new liturgical furniture is absolutely stunning. We have been blown away by what Treske have created.

"Their craftsmanship was of the highest order. We now have a cathedral which is worthy of the UK’s second city and our new organ and furniture place us firmly on the world stage."