Hark, the angel heralds fundraising campaign

The grade I listed Wakefield Cathedral, which boasts a 247ft tall spire, saw the angel lowered into place, along with a ladder that the angel will ascend as more money comes in.

As the heavenly body took up position, the Cathedral was told about another funding boost for its multi-million pound renovation plan, Project 2013.

Wakefield received £50,000 from the Cathedral Fabric Repair Fund towards the repair and conservation of the nave aisle walls.

The Fund is a partnership between the Wolfson Foundation, the Pilgrim Trust and the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, all with long records of supporting England’s historic church buildings and their valuable contents.

The largest of the grants – £118,000 – will be going to Bradford Cathedral to help pay for the pointing of high level masonry.

Bradford Cathedral’s dean, Dr David Ison, said: “I need hardly say how grateful we are for this grant and how privileged we feel to receive the award.

“Obtaining money for essential but unglamorous building repairs isn’t easy, and this is going to be so helpful in enabling us to conserve the Cathedral for future generations.

“The grant recognises the importance of cathedrals for their communities and, together with the support given to Wakefield, is a vote of confidence in the future of all the cathedrals in Yorkshire.”

The total amount awarded to 12 cathedrals was £718,000. The other successful applicants were Canterbury, Chichester, Coventry, Lincoln, Norwich, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Southwark, and Wells.

Paul Ramsbotton, of The Wolfson Foundation, said: “These are buildings of astonishing beauty and significance.”