THE cathedrals of Hereford and Worcester were told today that they are to receive a share of a £1m national funding package for repairs.

Conservation body English Heritage said 20 of the country's 61 cathedrals would be given financial assistance in this round of grants to protect buildings against the ravages of time.

And for the two local landmarks, their share of the money is quite substantial.

Hereford will receive a grant of up to £100,000, while Worcester can look forward to a cheque for £50,000.

Masonry

In Worcester, the money will go toward masonry repairs, and associated glass repairs, to the 12th Century Chapter House and the Monks' Parlour.

Roof repairs to the Chapter House are currently underway with the assistance of an English Heritage grant of £99,000.

Officials at Hereford Cathedral will use the grant for the second of a three-phase programme of repairs to the corner turrets of the central tower, which have suffered from stone erosion.

Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said he was proud to be announcing the funding.

"Cathedrals form the architectural centrepiece of our ecclesiastical heritage and make an important economic and social contribution to the nation," he said.

"It is vital that their futures are safeguarded."