Prince's 'fantastic' boost for city's cathedral

The Reverend Mark Soady said he had been told not to disclose the amount but that it was a "substantial donation" to help pay for urgent repairs to the cathedral in Stow Hill.

Prince Charles is one of the first to contribute to the £3 million needed to repair the roof and outer walls at the Grade I-listed building, parts of which are nearly 1,000 years old.

The appeal will be officially launched in July.

Father Mark, a member of the rescue appeal committee set up to raise the funds, and a canon at the cathedral, said: "It's an incredible boost for us, the fact he's making the contribution at such an early stage.

"It gives us a royal support tag. It's fantastic for Newport."

The rescue appeal committee was set up after an inspection found rotting oak trusses in the roof and the outer stone walls flaking away. The clay roof tiles also need to be replaced.

The appeal committee needs to raise £1.5 million and can then apply for match funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and CADW.

Prince Charles is renowned for his interest in architecture and historical buildings. He heard about the rescue effort through Simon Boyle, Lord

Lieutenant for Gwent, a member of the appeal committee, and asked him for a booklet with more details about the appeal.

Fr Mark said: "We sent him information about the work which needed to be done and the severity of the situation."

They have now received a letter from Clarence House, written on behalf of the Prince, and a cheque but were asked not to reveal the amount.

Dean Richard Fenwick, rescue appeal group leader, said: "It's lovely to know we have his support. It's wonderful for the people of Newport to know he has us in mind."

There are no plans yet for the Prince to visit the cathedral although Dean Fenwick said it would be "wonderful to see him".

Davies Sutton Architects are carrying out the work. If all goes to plan, the roof could be finished by the end of next year.