For eight long years, one of Kent's most iconic landmarks has been hidden behind an ugly mass of scaffolding towers.

But visitors to Canterbury will soon be able to enjoy the splendour of the Cathedral once more as the metal framing is dismantled in the coming weeks and months.

The city centre building has resembled a building site during almost a decade of intensive restoration work costing £25 million.

The Cathedral’s towers, stained glass windows, entrance gate and a host of other areas have all undergone delicate renovations.

Scaffolding set up in the nave six years ago was last week dismantled, and more framework encasing the building's exterior will be removed this week.

Bosses at the landmark expect the last of the eyesore framing to come down by October.

The completion of the project will be welcome news to city residents and disappointed tourists, who for years have been unable to see the world heritage site in all of its glory.

A spokesman said: "The scaffolding on the south side of the building will continue to come down this week, in preparation for the removal of the works compound in May.

"Some scaffolding and the hoist will remain in order to facilitate new work on the Great West Window.

"The Cathedral masons are currently carving and conserving stonework on the Christ Church Gate, including the shields and decorative heraldry.

"Work to remove the pollution which has built up on the stonework over hundreds of years involves using specialist cleaning techniques, including a laser."

​

Never before has such a large-scale restoration and redevelopment taken place at the Cathedral, with up to 80 contractors and craftsmen at work at any one time.

As well as overseeing renovations on the historical building, bosses have attempted to boost the visitor experience by opening a new welcome centre, viewing gallery and creating new spaces to showcase historic collections.

John Hippisley, who runs The Canterbury Tours around the city centre, is looking forward to the completion of the work.

"It'll be fantastic news to have everything free of scaffolding," he said.

"People get disappointed when get there. Especially with Christ Church Gate - they get to it and think there isn't much to look at.

"All of its bright colours and fascinating history are hidden.

"That's the first thing everyone sees on Mercery Lane so it's been a shame to have it covered.

"I look forward to it all being gone. Canterbury will be coming alive again."

The restoration project - titled The Canterbury Journey - has been funded by a £13.8 million Heritage Lottery grant, £10.9 million raised by the Canterbury Cathedral Trust and £250,000 from the Friends of the Cathedral.