Wakefield Cathedral restoration work begins

The redevelopment work is expected to last 14 months

Work on the multi-million pound restoration of Wakefield Cathedral is to begin.

The nave will be closed while improved lighting, flooring, heating and new sound systems are installed.

The cathedral has raised £2.5m to pay for the restoration work which is expected to take 14 months to complete.

The Dean of Wakefield, the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, said the project would deliver a "renewed cathedral fit for the 21st Century".

The money has been raised through donations and fundraising efforts by local people and members of the congregation.

The cathedral also received a £1.58m Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The nave of the cathedral will be cleared of furniture during the work to create a more flexible open space for worship, public events and celebrations.

Dean Greener said: "This is a marvellous moment. The work is finally begun after several years of preparation and fund raising.

"We know there's a lot of hard work ahead of us but we are really looking forward to delivering a renewed cathedral fit for purpose for the 21st Century."

The nave of the cathedral will close to the public for work to begin on Monday.