KEENLY anticipated work on Newport Cathedral's roof will start later this month.

This comes after contractors Instaat Projects Ltd was chosen to carry out the work on restoring the roof between the mid section to the North end at a cost of £500,000.

The same company, formerly called GPS, was responsible for the work on the Cathedral’s south porch in 2009.

Scaffolding will be erected next week and work will get started a fortnight later. It is expected to take until around October before it will be finished.

Cathedral administrator Brian Cox said: "We're absolutely delighted at last we will see something being done and just as importantly, the people of Newport will see something being done. This is a huge step forward."

With the phase under way, Cathedral bosses are now aiming to raise the next £500,000 to finish the job.

The appeal has raised more than £1 million since it was launched in July 2006, with a ten-year timetable to raise the money needed for all the necessary work.

Cash has been spent so far on ongoing emergency works throughout the cathedral, parts of which date back to the 12th century.

In total £2.5 million is needed to complete the project, which includes restoring stained glass windows, stonework and flooring.

To donate call 01633 215116 or visit www.newportcathedral.com