Work on a £500,000 project to replace 30 tons of lead roof on the south east transept of Canterbury Cathedral has begun.

It will take 20 weeks to complete and is being funded from the £50million Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal.

Built between 1096 and 1130, it is one of the oldest parts of the cathedral.

The lead roof is thought to have been last replaced between 1860 and 1880.

Scaffolding now covers the south east transept as craftsmen work at a height of 43 metres stripping of the old lead, which will be recycled.

The cathedral’s director of works, William Roe said: “It’s a fascinating and important task which has taken months of planning.

“Like many things at the Cathedral, it is on such a vast scale and we have set ourselves a challenging target of completing it 20 weeks.”

The Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal was launched in October, 2006, and has so far raised £7.5million.

To find out more visit www.savecanterburycathedral.com