FUND raisers today revealed they were on the "last lap" of a huge appeal to rebuild the lantern tower of Blackburn Cathedral.

And they also disclosed that the first of 56 spectacular 20-foot stained glass panels will be installed later this month.

The Very Rev David Frayne, the Provost of Blackburn, said the fund was just £70,000 short of its £800,000 target and he was confident the total would be reached before Christmas.

The lantern tower was built in 1967 and was in urgent need of a facelift to bring the cathedral back to its full splendour. Work is scheduled to finish in October.

The tower is currently surrounded in plastic and contractors have removed the defective concrete fabric and laid the first foundation of the new stonework.

On July 21 the first of the stained glass panels, depicting the theme of the "Spirit of God" and symbolising the two fundamental elements of fire and water, will be put in place.

In following weeks further panels will be added around the new stonework structure.

The Provost said: "I am heartened by the community effort which was exemplified two weeks ago by the Cathedral's own efforts at the lantern fair which raised £5,000."

The 56 traditional hand made windows, which come in vivid reds and blues, cost £5,000 each and businesses have been encouraged to "buy" a window.

They have been designed by stained glass expert Linda Walton, of Blackrod, near Bolton.

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