Cathedral bosses have denied the famous landmark could close to visitors after losing a £10.5million bid for Lottery money - despite the man heading its fundraising efforts claiming otherwise.

It has been reported the chief executive of the Canterbury Cathedral Trust, Andrew Edwards said the main entrance to the cathedral - the Christchurch Gate - was so in urgent need of repair, that if a piece of stonework fell down, it could be “closed for business”.

He also reported two thirds of the building still being in need of urgent repair.

But now bosses say the story gave an “exaggerated impression” of the condition of the buildings and the impact of decaying stonework.

Receiver General of the Cathedral, John Meardon said: “It’s true that some parts of the building need more urgent repair than others.

"But that has been so for a long time and is addressed in our planned programme of works, for which we are continuing to seek funding support, despite our disappointment with the Heritage Lottery Fund decision.

“The Luftwaffe could not close the Cathedral, despite the Baedeker bombing raids in 1942, and difficulties with the fabric will not do so now.

“We will continue to welcome pilgrims and visitors from all over the world through the Christ Church Gate, which is rightly one of our priorities for repair and conservation."