Canterbury Cathedral has missed out on being awarded millions of pounds for vital repair work to the crumbling building.

Bosses had applied for more than £10m from the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out structural repairs, including replacing the lead roof.

It was as part of a £17m conservation project started more than five years ago.

Six other projects have been awarded cash, including Silverstone race track and a former brewery in Cornwall.

Speaking after the announcement, the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, said “Everyone here is naturally very disappointed with the decision.

"If the project had been approved, it would have a great benefit to the county, city and local communities; and it had the support of the Canterbury City Council, key stakeholders, and local businesses.

"We will have to examine the reasons why our bid was unsuccessful before we decide whether to re-submit a bid next November, but we remain committed to restoring the Cathedral and to offering our many pilgrims and visitors a warm and rewarding experience”.

Each year more than a million pilgrims visit the Anglican church's 'mother church'.

It has no direct funding from Government.