Two Catholic cathedrals are to receive renovation grants from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund.

The Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth, which dates to 1858, was designed by Charles and Joseph Hansom, of Hansom cab fame. It will receive £644,000 towards restoration and weather-proofing.

Bishop Mark O’Toole of Plymouth said: “It is a wonderful legacy to mark the centenary of the First World War that our cathedrals – important ‘sermons in stone’ in the life of the nation – are getting these much-needed funds for essential repairs and work. It was very moving recently to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme with Mass in our cathedral. I am delighted that the Catholic cathedral in Plymouth has been awarded this grant so that it can continue to be a beacon of worship and praise to God for many generations to come.”