Golden weathervane hoisted to top of Chichester Cathedral

The weathervane – a 3ft cockerel – was gilded in Fairtrade and Fairmined certified gold and placed on top of the spire yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, November 2).

It is the first time this type of gold has been displayed on any public building anywhere in the world.

A team of steeplejacks climbed 131ft – 205 steps – to reach the base of the spire and then ascend a narrow 146ft ladder, arriving finally at a tiny scaffold platform erected especially for this project around the Spire Cap.

The gold covering the weathervane was sourced by Chichester’s Cred jewellers from the Sotrami Mine in Peru – one of the first mines in the world to be certified to Fairtrade standards.

* A video of the weathervane being lifted into position will be uploaded today