WORCESTER Cathedral has received a grant of £25,000 for its new internal lighting scheme.

The lighting forms an important part of the Worcester Appeal for Music and Light, which will be officially launched in March 2004, with the aim of improving the illumination in parts of the church to better show off the interior.

The appeal also aims to fund two new organs and provide financial support for choristers.

"We are very grateful for this support from the Severn Waste Environment Fund," said The Dean, the very Rev Peter Marshall.

"The beauty along with the details of the interior of the building merit greatly improved illumination to allow all to see what a treasure it is.

"This donation will give us the opportunity to re-light one area with low-energy lighting to show off the stonework, monuments and architecture to its best advantage.

In aid of the appeal Who Wants to be a Millionaire? host and former King's School pupil, Chris Tarrant, will lend his support to an evening of Christmas readings and music at the Cathedral.

The event, on Saturday, December 20, starts at 7pm and tickets are available from Huntingdon Hall box office on 01905 611427, priced £35, including supper and mulled wine after the concert.