The £50million Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal is being promoted in America through a tour by the choir.

The choristers will be visiting the States in April, performing nine concerts to help raise funds for the building’s restoration and choral appeal.

The singers, led by master of choristers, David Flood, are considered one of Europe’s foremost choral groups and it will be its first visit to the United States for 10 years.

The tour is being organised with the help of the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral in America and marks the 500th anniversary of the founding of the choir.

Travelling with the 42-strong choir will be the chief executive of the cathedral appeal, Matthew Butler, who will be attending receptions and dinners to help promote the fund-raising.

Dr Flood said: “Visiting the United States is a very special experience for the choir. It is always good to meet up with old friends and make new ones.”

The appeal is trying to raise £50million of which £7million will be to ensure the survival of the cathedral’s great choral tradition.

The money raised will be for endownments for choristers and £4million for refurbishing the cathedral’s 18th century organ.