Clergy at Peterborough Cathedral say they’re delighted after enough money was raised to avoid it having to charge entrance fees.

It’s 'Cathedral in Crisis' fundraising campaign was launched in January and aimed to reach £300,000 by the end of March. By the middle of the month it still had £100,000 to find, but after a last-minute push, it has now exceeded its target. It’s understood that a “significant anonymous donation” helped push the total beyond the goal.

Over a thousand individuals, businesses and community groups donated to the campaign, which will enable the cathedral to remain open seven days a week this year and continue its long-term plans for sustainability.

The Dean of Peterborough Cathedral, Very Rev Chris Dalliston, said: "We're hugely delighted and relieved to have achieved and exceeded our £300,000 target.

"However, we are in no way complacent. This is only the first step in building a long-term sustainable future for the cathedral.

"We continue to operate on fine margins in a challenging financial environment, and over the coming year we shall need to continue to work hard to strengthen our network of supporters and develop additional sources of revenue to ensure we remain a vibrant community, serving our city, our diocese, and the wider region."

Speaking during the campaign, the Cathedral’s Head of Fundraising Anna Bentley said: “We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of those who have already donated. Every pound raised makes a difference… together, we can secure its future.”

Peterborough Cathedral is Grade 1 listed and home to the tomb of Katherine of Aragon. Staff say that the funding will ensure it can remain a beacon of hope and heritage for generations to come.

Only ten cathedrals in England, plus the two Royal Peculiars of Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel, Windsor, charge an entrance fee.

Despite that, all cathedrals are free to enter for worship, for prayer and to light a candle.