Preparation work for the restoration of the Anglican Cathedral roof started this week.

The $1.85 million plan to replace the copper plate roof - which has deteriorated over the years - is expected to last until the end of July.

As well as replacing the roof, repairs will be made to the interior stonework, particularly around windows and West door. Bits of masonry have been falling inside the church

In addition, exposed wiring needs replacing. .

Much of the money for the repairs was raised by the church's `Roofle' raffle but Bishop Ewen Ratterary called on the community to help with the project.

He said: "We will need to continue to raise funds for the roof and the other repairs."

The current copper plate roof replaced a tile roof that was damaged by hurricanes in 1926. Copper roofs are expected to have a life of between 60 to 80 years.

Work on the roof itself will begin after the extent of the damage has been ascertained. Scaffolding has been erected on the Church Street site this week.