WORCESTER Cathedral has been given more than £100,000 to spend on "essential" roof repairs.

The grant of £116,440 has been given as part of the third round of grants from the government-sponsored fund set up to support vital repairs to Cathedrals in England.

This final round of grants is part of the £20 million First World War Centenary Cathedral Repair Fund, which has seen the Cathedral receive £446,756 in total over the past year.

The Right Reverend John Inge, Bishop of Worcester, said: “Cathedrals such as Worcester are jewels in the crown of our national heritage. Though cared for by the Dean and Chapter, it is there for everyone to use and enjoy and I am very grateful that this has been recognised by the Government through the award of a grant for essential repairs to the roof. This will enable this wonderful building to better serve the community of Worcester at the heart of which it stands, now and in the future.”

Work has already started on repairs to the Great East Window of the Cathedral, which was made possible by the last round of funding.

The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester, said: “We are delighted to have received the funds needed for the latest repairs to the Cathedral roof. While this is still a small figure compared to the overall costs of maintaining the cathedrals and parish churches of this country in good repair, it is very good that the Government is now putting money towards this priceless part of the nation’s architectural heritage.”