THE Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal has now reached £6.5million. The appeal, specifically designed to finance an extensive conservation and development programme, aims to raise £50 million from donors around the world over five years.

The initial stage of the campaign is focused on Kent amd organisers say they have been encouraged by the early response from local people.

David Innes, chief executive of the Canterbury Cathedral Development Office, commented: "After our strong start last autumn, it's good to be able to report that the appeal is now gaining momentum.

"The early support from the people of Kent has been magnificent and we’re hoping to enthuse many more people to participate in a number of fundraising initiatives.

"For more than 1,000 years Canterbury Cathedral has put Kent on the map and we hope that the people of Kent will share a sense of pride in this wonderful building, and be inspired to help ensure the preservation of this key part of our national heritage."

The donations received so far have enabled a start to be made on critical conservation work in two areas of the Cathedral, the South East Transept and the Corona at the east end.

Work in progress includes:

Removal of the black sulphate crust that has built up on much of the external walls;

Cleaning of stonework;

Replacement of crumbling stones;

Replacing cement mortar with mortar made from lime putty, sand and stone dust;

Repairs to the South Oculus window, one of the finest examples of a late 12 century round window.

It costs £12,000 a day to run Canterbury Cathedral. These costs are met largely by the income from admission charges and property rental which does not allow for the major conservation or development work that is now required.