Gloucester Cathedral has announced the support of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as patrons of the second phase of Project Pilgrim.

Project Pilgrim is an ambitious programme of development and conservation that aims to bring the Cathedral's history and religious purpose to life so everyone benefits.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and through the generosity of trusts and individuals, the first phase of building work is now drawing to completion with a further 18 months of events and activities planned.

The Duke visited the Cathedral yesterday to see the progress for himself. The visit included tours of the scaffolding surrounding the medieval Lady Chapel (currently undergoing conservation) and the landscaping works which will transform the Cathedral's former car park into a beautiful and accessible public space in the heart of the city.

His Royal Highness also had the opportunity to meet with some of the key people involved in bringing the project to life. This included the Cathedral's trainee stonemasons, one of whom was recently Highly Commended in the Duke of Gloucester Award for Excellence in Stonemasonry.

The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester, said: "We are honoured to have the support of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester both for their interest in Project Pilgrim and especially their patronage of Phase 2.

"Our plans for the future include developing the Cathedral's educational reach and offer of hospitality, as well as conserving the historic Parliament Rooms and deepening our community engagement.

"These are exciting times at Gloucester Cathedral and we are proud to have received Royal acknowledgment for this once-in-a-generation opportunity."

All building work in the first phase of Project Pilgrim is due to be completed by next spring. The Cathedral is currently developing plans for Phase 2.

Picture caption: From the left, Pascal Mychalysin, Cathedral master mason, HRH The Duke of Gloucester and The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester.