The Dean of Lincoln has said there isn’t enough funding for urgent repairs to the county’s 11th century cathedral.

Lincoln Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world and was described by Victorian writer John Ruskin as “out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have”.

The building is currently undergoing restoration work to its 13th century Chapter House at a cost of around £2.3m. However, Very Rev Dr Simon Jones said there is no funding in place to begin “urgent” repairs to the cathedral’s south side.

He told the BBC that “there will come a day that we will run out of money. That's the reality we face.

“English cathedrals get no support for the fabric of the building from the church commissioners, the Church of England or from the government.

"The current funding model for our cathedral and all cathedrals isn't sustainable. It doesn't work."

Churches and cathedrals receive no regular funding for repair and maintenance from the government or the national Church and are mostly supported by local fundraising, private philanthropy and grant-aid from charitable organisations.

Church Commissioners said they recognise the challenges of maintaining historic buildings and provide support and funding in a variety of ways, including some stipends and clergy costs.

Lincoln Cathedral costs around £15,000 a day to operate, but Dean Simon said: "The people of Lincoln have come here to worship and in times of celebration and sorrow for nearly a thousand years.

"It shines out as a beacon of hope over our city and county and we want it to continue to do so."