One of the biggest tourist attractions in Gloucestershire has benefited to the tune of £1million thanks to a special scheme marking 100 years since the First World War.

A national scheme to conserve and repair England's cathedrals, from which Gloucester Cathedral was awarded £956,415, has significantly reduced immediate risks, according to a report by ERS Research & Consultancy Ltd.

The £40 million First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund, launched by the Government in 2014, invited applications from Catholic and Church of England cathedrals to address urgent repair works.

Today's (July 18) independent report shows "a significant reduction of problems requiring immediate repair as a result of the investment but warned that recipients all had outstanding repairs in areas not covered by the scheme".

The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester, said: "The report published today demonstrates just how much impact the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund has had across all our cathedrals, not least in Gloucester where we benefitted from almost £1m towards projects which we simply would not have been able to fund otherwise."

The fund prioritised making buildings weatherproof, safe and open to the public as well as ensuring they would be in a safe condition to host acts of remembrance for the centenary of the First World War armistice in 2018.

Gloucester Cathedral was awarded a total of £956,415 towards three projects:

- £420,415 towards the first phases of conservation and restoration work of the nationally significant medieval Lady Chapel

- £486,000 towards the repair of the adjoined Nave and Abbot's Chapel roofs

- £50,000 towards vital drainage repairs

Gloucester Cathedral welcomes over 400,000 visitors a year and provides a setting for a wide range of events and activities, alongside daily worship.

Each cathedral has the responsibility for raising the funds required for upkeep. However, with no regular Government funding, each faces an ongoing challenge to maintain their fabric while ensuring comfort, safety and accessibility for all.

In total, 146 awards were made to 57 cathedrals. Twelve cathedrals were awarded more than £1 million each, and the average award was £274,000. Grants were awarded over two phases between 2014-18.

Grants were awarded by an independent panel chaired by Sir Paul Ruddock, a position appointed by the Secretary of State.