WORK to preserve the crumbling stonework on one of the region’s most instantly recognisable landmarks is to start in the next few months.

Expert stonemasons are to begin repairs on the ageing sandstone of Durham Cathedral’s 11th Century tower after the Government announced more than £500,000 funding for the work.

The cash will allow repairs to be carried out to the Tower’s Upper Parapet, including stone conservation work, repair to roof coverings and rainwater systems as well as new decking on the iconic Tower, which gives spectacular views across Durham and is popular with visitors to the city.

A complex scaffold will be put in place to allow Cathedral stonemasons to reach the top of the Tower, which will remain open to visitors during most of the work which is expected to be completed within the year.

The £568,000 grant is one of a number announced today under the Government-sponsored First World War Centenary Fund to repair some of England’s most important historic buildings.

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham, said: “We are delighted that Durham Cathedral is being supported by the fund.

“The Cathedral is made of beautiful, yet very vulnerable, sandstone and the conservation work to be done on the fabric is never-ending."

He added: “This generous award will enable work to start on the most visible part of the entire Cathedral and perhaps the best-loved aspect of the Durham skyline.

“It will mean that this enduring symbol of life’s spiritual dimension will continue to inspire the people of today and tomorrow as it has done for centuries.”

A total of just under £6.9m is being made to fund repairs to 24 Church of England cathedrals and seven Roman Catholic cathedrals

Among the grants are £100,000 to York Minster towards repairs to the stonework and roof of the Camera Cantorum, a two-storey building dating back to 1415 which now houses the Minster shop and Minster Song School, where generations of choristers have been trained.

The Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, Dean of York Minster, said: “The First World War Centenary Repairs Fund has provided cathedrals across the country with a vital financial lifeline to enable major fabric repairs that will protect and conserve our cathedrals for worshippers, visitors and communities.

“The additional funds to support the restoration of the Camera Cantorum at York Minster will help us to establish a living memorial to the lives of those local young musicians of great promise who gave their lives in service of the nation.”

Ripon Cathedral also received a grant of just over £19,200 for urgent repairs to the glazing of 35 windows.