It was meant to be a nail-biting experience and one of a string of thrilling performances across the country. But an attempt by three cellists to perform on every cathedral roof in England was scuppered when they were not allowed to pull off the stunt at Norwich Cathedral for health and safety reasons.

It was meant to be a nail-biting experience and one of a string of thrilling performances across the country.

But an attempt by three cellists to perform on every cathedral roof in England was scuppered when they were not allowed to pull off the stunt at Norwich Cathedral for health and safety reasons.

The trio of "extreme" cellists

had hoped to complete their tour of 42 cathedrals in 12 days, travelling more than 1,900 miles to raise £5,000 for the homeless people's charity, Shelter, and Aspire, which helps those with spinal cord injuries.

Jeremy Dawson, Clare Wallace and James Rees, all from Sheffield, were originally inspired by the tongue-in-cheek "sport" of extreme ironing - which sees people seeking out the most bizarre locations for the household chore, from mountains to motor boats.

But, while most cathedrals let the cellists play on the roof or high in a public gallery, Norwich was one of three that did not accommodate their request, letting them play only in the presbytery.

A spokesman for Norwich Cathedral said yesterday that officials did try to fulfil the cellists' requests but were hampered by health and safety laws.

Ms Wallace said: "It is disappointing, but we did manage to get up three steps. There was nowhere really on the roof suitable, but it would have been nice to have played higher up in the gallery, for example."

Even so, Norwich is still highlighted in the trio's online diary as being one of their most satisfying experiences because

of their appreciation for the city and the Anglican cathedral.

Mr Dawson said: "We decided to set ourselves quite a challenge this time.

"Previously, we have performed at several extreme locations in Sheffield and the Peak District and hiked 45 miles in a day playing our cellos as we went.

"However, as well as being cellists, we're all cathedral choir singers, so the thought of playing on cathedral roofs was quite enticing and different."