A global fundraising campaign has been launched to protect the ruins of Coventry's old medieval cathedral, which leaders say are at risk, the BBC reports.

The Building Hope initiative aims to raise donations to preserve the remains of St Michael's. which began being built in the late 14th century, it was destroyed in the Blitz in 1940 and was the only English cathedral destroyed in the Second World War.

Coventry was heavily bombed because it was a vital hub for military manufacturing.

The Rev Canon Kate Massey, acting dean of the cathedral, told the BBC the ruins were "not built for the inside to be on the outside", and that the remains and spire were deteriorating. Inspections found water damage, crumbling masonry and structural movement in the tower. The World Monuments Fund has put the site on its At Risk register.

More than 200,000 people visit the site each year. Massey said conversations are underway with the World Monuments Fund and questioned whether the cathedral should approach UNESCO about listing the site.

UNESCO World Heritage listing recognises a site as having "outstanding universal value" to humanity and brings with it international prestige.

Further investigations are needed to fully understand the extent of the preservation work.